In Flight Risk, director Mel Gibson takes audiences on a bumpy ride through the Alaskan wilderness, blending suspense, claustrophobic tension, and a cast that almost saves an otherwise shaky script. Starring Mark Wahlberg as a rugged pilot, Michelle Dockery as a no-nonsense Air Marshal, and Topher Grace as a slippery fugitive, this thriller promises high-altitude tension—but does it stick the landing?
The Storyline: Trust No One at 30,000 Feet
Wahlberg plays a pilot tasked with transporting a dangerous fugitive (Grace) to trial, escorted by a sharp-witted Air Marshal (Dockery). As they navigate the treacherous Alaskan skies, alliances blur, secrets unravel, and it becomes clear that not everyone on board is who they claim to be. The confined plane setting amplifies the paranoia, but does the execution hold up?
What Works: Strong Cast, Tense Atmosphere
- Mark Wahlberg delivers a reliably intense performance as the morally ambiguous pilot.
- Michelle Dockery shines as the tough yet vulnerable marshal, adding emotional weight.
- Topher Grace steals scenes as the manipulative fugitive, balancing charm and menace.
- The claustrophobic plane setting creates genuine moments of suspense, especially in the second act.
What Doesn’t: Predictability & Thin Script
Despite the strong cast, Flight Risk suffers from:
- Formulaic twists – If you’ve seen one airborne thriller, you’ve seen them all.
- Unrealistic moments – Some plot holes are hard to ignore (even for a popcorn flick).
- Mel Gibson’s direction – While competent, it lacks the grit of his earlier work (Braveheart, Hacksaw Ridge).
OTT Release Info – Where to Watch
| Platform | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Lionsgate+ | October 25, 2024 |
| Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase) | November 15, 2024 |
| Apple TV+ | December 1, 2024 |
Final Verdict: Entertaining but Forgettable
Flight Risk is a decent mid-flight thriller—Wahlberg and Dockery’s chemistry keeps it engaging, but the lack of originality and weak script prevent it from truly soaring. If you’re craving a tense, easy watch, it delivers. But if you expect The Grey or Non-Stop levels of suspense, you might leave disappointed.
Rating: ★★½ /5 (Worth a rental, not a must-watch.