Entertainment Blog #276 | Retribution [2023] : A High-Stakes Ride Through Familiar Terrain...

At its core, "Retribution" explores the desperate lengths one might go to protect their loved ones, a theme that resonates with the struggles of everyday life. We all face moments of crisis, less explosive, where the safety and well-being of our family demand quick thinking and sacrifice. This relatability is the emotional anchor of the film, pulling viewers into the high-stakes world of Matt Turner as he navigates the threats against his family.

Directed by Nimród Antal, "Retribution" hit theaters in France on August 23, 2023, and in the United States two days later. The film is a co-production involving France, Germany, Spain, and the United States. It is the third remake of the 2015 Spanish thriller "El Desconocido." The star-studded cast features Liam Neeson, known for his iconic roles in action thrillers, alongside Noma Dumezweni, Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, and Matthew Modine. This ensemble brings a mix of veteran gravitas and youthful energy to the screen.

Matt Turner (Liam Neeson) is a financier at Nanite Capital in Berlin, living a seemingly ordinary life with his wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) and their children, Emily (Lilly Aspell) and Zach (Jack Champion). His routine day takes a dramatic turn when an unknown caller informs him that a bomb is hidden under his car seat, ready to detonate if he or his children attempt to leave the vehicle. The caller's chilling instructions and the revelation of a device beneath his seat set off a tense and perilous journey.

Forced into a dangerous game by the bomber, Matt witnesses the harrowing death of a client, Sylvain, whose attempt to escape ends in an explosion. As the bomber's demands escalate, Matt's wife Heather is drawn into the crisis, retrieving money from a safety deposit box under the bomber’s directives. The stakes rise when the police intervene, complicating the situation further and casting suspicion on Matt himself.

With Europol agent Angela Brickmann (Noma Dumezweni) on his trail, Matt fights to prove his innocence while following the bomber’s orders. The plot thickens with the revelation of a massive embezzlement scheme involving Matt’s boss, Anders Muller (Matthew Modine). A showdown at a power plant culminates in a tragic explosion, injuring Emily and driving Matt to take matters into his own hands. In a final, desperate act, Matt confronts the true mastermind behind the chaos, leading to a gripping climax.

"Retribution" sets itself apart from other action thrillers through its relentless pace and the claustrophobic tension of its car-bound sequences. Unlike many films in the genre, the majority of the suspense unfolds in a confined space, making every moment feel immediate and every decision crucial. This unique approach, combined with Antal's direction, keeps viewers on edge, despite the somewhat predictable beats of the plot.

"Retribution" received mixed reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 28% approval rating, with an average score of 4.6/10. The consensus suggests that while fans of Neeson's parent-in-peril roles might find some enjoyment, the film largely falls into familiar territory. Metacritic's score of 43 out of 100 echoes this opinion, indicating an average reception. Audience reactions were similarly lukewarm, with a CinemaScore of "C" and a PostTrak score of 54% overall positive.

With a budget of $20 million, "Retribution" struggled at the box office, grossing only $18.7 million. In conclusion, while "Retribution" offers a gripping ride with a standout performance from Liam Neeson, it ultimately treads well-worn ground. Its intense moments and emotional undercurrents make it worth a watch for action thriller enthusiasts but don't expect groundbreaking cinema.