After a nine-year hiatus, Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair with Flight Risk, a mid-air thriller that promises high-stakes action but ultimately fails to deliver. Known for his Oscar-winning work on Braveheart and the harrowing drama Hacksaw Ridge, Gibson’s latest effort lacks the urgency, suspense, and emotional depth audiences expect from his films. Despite its intriguing premise and confined-space setting, Flight Risk is a disappointment.
Plot Summary
Flight Risk revolves around U.S. Deputy Marshal Madolyn (Michelle Dockery), who is tasked with escorting fugitive mob accountant Winston (Topher Grace) from Alaska to testify against a powerful crime boss. The duo boards a small Cessna Grand Caravan piloted by Daryl (Mark Wahlberg), who turns out to be a hitman hired to kill Winston.
What begins as a promising high-stakes thriller quickly loses momentum. Once Daryl is restrained early on, much of the film is spent on uninspired dialogue and predictable plot twists. The lack of tension and character development leaves viewers wanting more.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of Flight Risk’s few highlights lies in its visual execution. Mel Gibson, in collaboration with cinematographer Johnny Derango, expertly utilizes the confined setting of the Cessna Grand Caravan to craft visually engaging moments. Shot with the cutting-edge LED Volume soundstage, the film effectively captures the vast Alaskan wilderness alongside the cramped, claustrophobic interiors of the plane, offering an aesthetic appeal that holds the viewer’s attention even when the story falters.
Adding a dash of energy to the film is Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Daryl, the unhinged pilot. His over-the-top antics, combined with his meme-worthy bald head, inject brief bursts of entertainment, momentarily lifting the film out of its otherwise sluggish pace.
Watch the Flight Risk (2025) Behind the scenes footage
Unfortunately, these strengths are overshadowed by the film’s significant weaknesses. Despite being marketed as a high-stakes thriller, Flight Risk fails to generate any real suspense. Key conflicts are resolved too quickly, robbing the narrative of tension and making the stakes feel inconsequential. The lack of compelling characters further undermines the story.
Michelle Dockery’s portrayal of Deputy Marshal Madolyn lacks the grit and determination needed for the role, while Topher Grace struggles to make Winston, the fugitive accountant, a character worth rooting for. His sarcastic quips, intended as comic relief, largely fall flat.
The script by Jared Rosenberg, despite its early promise as a 2020 Black List selection, unfolds predictably. It offers few surprises and leaves little room for the twists and turns that could have elevated the film. Subplots involving a mole in the authorities and Madolyn’s backstory are underwhelming and add unnecessary clutter, dragging down the pacing without adding meaningful depth.
Together, these flaws make Flight Risk a largely forgettable entry in the thriller genre, despite its technical polish and moments of charm.
Comparisons to Similar Films
Confined-space thrillers like Misery and Gravity have showcased how limited settings can amplify tension and drama. Unfortunately, Flight Risk lacks the creativity and character-driven storytelling that made those films memorable. Even Alfred Hitchcock’s Lifeboat, a classic example of the genre, far surpasses this effort in terms of suspense and ingenuity.
Conclusion
While Flight Risk demonstrates Gibson’s technical skill behind the camera, the lackluster script and uninspired performances prevent it from taking off. Fans of confined-space thrillers may find fleeting moments of enjoyment, but for most, this film will feel like a missed opportunity.
Flight Risk opens in theaters on January 24. Whether you’re a die-hard Gibson fan or a casual moviegoer, temper your expectations for this one.
