Retribution (2023) – Movie Review

Retribution is a 2023 action-thriller directed by Nimród Antal, starring Liam Neeson in another pulse-pounding role where he is pushed to the limits in a high-stakes scenario. Known for his performances in action-packed films, Neeson once again takes on the role of a man racing against time to protect his loved ones while navigating intense and dangerous situations.

Plot Overview:

The movie follows Matt Turner (Liam Neeson), a successful businessman living in Berlin. One morning, while driving his children to school, he receives a mysterious phone call informing him that his car has been rigged with a bomb that will detonate if anyone tries to exit the vehicle. As Matt is forced to follow a series of increasingly dangerous instructions, he must uncover the mastermind behind the plot while keeping his family safe.

As the day unfolds, Matt is framed for crimes he didn’t commit, and the authorities are closing in, believing him to be a terrorist. With time running out, Matt must rely on his wits and instincts to outsmart the bomb maker and prove his innocence before it’s too late.

Action and Tension:

The movie excels at maintaining high levels of tension throughout, utilizing its confined setting within the car to create a claustrophobic, pressure-cooker atmosphere. Much of the film’s action unfolds in real time, heightening the suspense as every second counts. The concept of being trapped in a car rigged to explode adds an element of unpredictability, reminiscent of classic thrillers like Speed (1994), but with a personal and emotional twist due to the involvement of Matt’s children.

Liam Neeson, known for his stoic yet intense performances, brings his trademark gravitas to the role. While the movie doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot or character development, Neeson’s presence elevates the material, making you root for his character as he navigates the impossible situation.

Performances:

• Liam Neeson (Matt Turner): As usual, Neeson brings a commanding presence to the screen. His portrayal of Matt, a father desperate to protect his children, is compelling, and he manages to convey a range of emotions—from fear and frustration to determination—while stuck in the same physical location for much of the film. Neeson’s ability to sell the tension and stakes makes Retribution an engaging ride.
• Noma Dumezweni as Angela Brickmann, a police officer tasked with tracking down Matt, adds another layer of complexity to the film. Her role as both investigator and potential ally to Matt keeps the audience guessing about her motivations.
• Supporting Cast: The children, played by Lilly Aspell and Jack Champion, contribute to the emotional stakes of the film, though they largely serve as hostages to heighten the tension rather than fully developed characters.

Strengths:

• Non-stop Tension: The real-time aspect of the film, combined with the ticking-bomb scenario, keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The tight pacing ensures that there’s little downtime between the escalating challenges Matt faces.
• Liam Neeson’s Performance: As with most of his recent action roles, Neeson’s ability to portray a determined, resourceful man under pressure is the cornerstone of the film’s success.
• Thrilling Set-Piece: The confined setting of the car, combined with intense sequences of Matt trying to avoid disaster while communicating with the mysterious villain, creates a sense of urgency that drives the film forward.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Formula: While the film delivers tension, the plot itself feels familiar and predictable, borrowing heavily from other action-thrillers without adding many new twists. The concept of a man forced to follow orders from an unseen antagonist is something that’s been done in films like Speed or Phone Booth (2002).
• Character Depth: While Matt’s desperation to save his children adds emotional weight, the movie doesn’t delve deeply into the characters’ backstories or motivations. The villain’s motivations, in particular, remain underdeveloped, making the final reveal less impactful than it could have been.
• Limited Setting: Although the confined space of the car works to the movie’s advantage for tension, it also limits the film’s scope, making some of the action sequences feel repetitive after a while.

Final Thoughts:

Retribution delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Liam Neeson-led action thriller: high stakes, relentless tension, and a protagonist who will stop at nothing to save his family. While it doesn’t offer anything particularly groundbreaking in terms of plot or character development, the film’s fast pace and Neeson’s strong performance make it an enjoyable, if predictable, ride for fans of the genre. If you’re a fan of Neeson’s previous work, you’ll likely enjoy Retribution for its intensity and suspense.

Suggested Video for You: For more high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, check out Non-Stop (2014), where Liam Neeson plays an air marshal facing a life-or-death situation aboard a plane—another film that masterfully uses a confined setting to generate tension.