“Flight Risk” is a 2025 action thriller film directed by Mel Gibson, starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the movie:
Plot Summary:
The story begins in the remote wilderness of Alaska where Deputy U.S. Marshal Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) apprehends Winston (Topher Grace), an accountant who has turned informant against the Moretti crime family. Winston agrees to testify against his former employers in exchange for immunity, setting the stage for a tense journey back to civilization.
Madolyn charters a small plane piloted by Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) to fly them to Anchorage for a connecting flight to New York where Winston is to testify. However, early into the flight, their situation escalates when it becomes clear that Daryl isn’t just a pilot; he’s a hitman hired by the Moretti family to eliminate Winston before he can testify.
The Flight:
Once airborne, the dynamics quickly shift. Daryl reveals his true intentions, leading to a struggle for control of the plane. Madolyn, with no piloting experience, must navigate the aircraft while dealing with Daryl’s attempts to kill Winston. The confined space of the airplane heightens the tension, turning the flight into a claustrophobic battleground where alliances are tested, and trust is a luxury they can’t afford.
Winston, despite being a target, shows resourcefulness, helping Madolyn with the aircraft’s controls and strategizing ways to subdue Daryl. The action is interspersed with moments of dark humor, particularly from Wahlberg’s character, who provides some comic relief amidst the chaos.
Key Events:
The Landing:
In an intense sequence, Madolyn, now somewhat familiar with flying, attempts a crash landing. The plane clips a mountain but miraculously stays airborne long enough for a rough landing. They crash-land near an airport, where emergency services finally reach them.
Resolution:
Critical Reception:
“Flight Risk” received mixed to negative reviews, with critics pointing out the film’s predictable plot, questionable physics regarding the flight and crash, and an over-reliance on the gimmick of its setting. Mark Wahlberg’s performance was noted for its dark humor and intensity, but the film as a whole was criticized for not capitalizing on its high-concept premise. The action sequences, while thrilling at times, were seen as lacking depth, with the narrative not fully exploring the psychological or emotional aspects of the characters’ ordeal.
Themes and Analysis:
Overall, “Flight Risk” is a film that promises an exhilarating ride but ultimately struggles to maintain altitude due to its simplistic storytelling and execution. While it provides some entertainment through its action and Wahlberg’s performance, it doesn’t fully land as a memorable thriller or character study.
The story begins in the remote wilderness of Alaska where Deputy U.S. Marshal Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) apprehends Winston (Topher Grace), an accountant who has turned informant against the Moretti crime family. Winston agrees to testify against his former employers in exchange for immunity, setting the stage for a tense journey back to civilization. Madolyn charters a small plane piloted by Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) to fly them to Anchorage for a connecting flight to New York where Winston is to testify. However, early into the flight, their situation escalates when it becomes clear that Daryl isn't just a pilot; he's a hitman hired by the Moretti family to eliminate Winston before he can testify.