Retribution (2023) – Movie Review

Genre: Action, Thriller
Directed by: Nimród Antal
Starring: Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni, Matthew Modine, Jack Champion
Synopsis:
Retribution is a tense, high-stakes thriller that puts Liam Neeson in the driver’s seat – literally. Neeson plays Matt Turner, a successful businessman whose normal road trip with his children turns into a nightmare when he discovers a bomb planted in his car. With a mysterious caller issuing deadly ultimatums, Matt must navigate a race against time to save his family and uncover the truth.
Highlights:
Liam Neeson’s commanding presence
Neeson delivers a reliable performance, capturing the desperation and determination of a father trying to protect his children under extreme circumstances.
Suspenseful Setting
The confined car environment creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere, keeping viewers on their toes throughout the film.
Fast-Paced Action
The film maintains a brisk pace, mixing moments of character tension with explosive action sequences.
Twists and Turns
While some are predictable, the narrative includes a few surprises to keep the story interesting.
Challenges:
Familiar Plot
The film draws heavily from similar high-stakes thrillers (Speed, Non-Stop), offering little innovation in its central premise.
Underdeveloped Characters
Aside from Matt, most characters lack depth, reducing emotional investment in their fates.
Unrealistic Scenarios
The film occasionally stretches credibility, particularly in some of its action sequences and character decisions.
Predictability
While entertaining, the film follows a formulaic structure, making certain outcomes easy to predict for seasoned thriller fans.
Final Verdict:
Retribution delivers exactly what it promises: an intense, action-packed thriller, anchored by a solid performance from Liam Neeson. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a serviceable and entertaining film for fans of Neeson’s signature action-thriller.