Fight or Flight – Sep 4

Fight or Flight is shaping up as one of the major action comedy releases of 2025. Directed by James Madigan and written by Brooks McLaren and D. J. Cotrona, the film was born from a script that featured on the prestigious 2020 Black List of best unproduced screenplays. That early recognition built a sense of anticipation which has now been rewarded with a feature film that is equal parts stylish spectacle and crowd pleasing entertainment.

The plot centres on a mercenary who accepts a mission to track down a mysterious high value asset known only as The Ghost. Their meeting point is not a remote hideout or bustling city but an international passenger flight already in the air. What begins as a straightforward job soon spirals into chaos when the mercenary realises the plane is filled with assassins, each tasked with eliminating both him and his target. With nowhere to run and every corner holding fresh danger, the two unlikely allies must put aside mistrust and combine their skills in order to survive the journey.

Josh Hartnett (The Faculty) takes the lead role and has been singled out for delivering one of the strongest performances of his career. Bringing a mix of intensity, charisma and perfectly timed humour, Hartnett anchors the film with a presence that is both commanding and accessible. Adding to the authenticity is the fact that he performed all of his own stunts, an approach that injects raw energy into the action sequences and keeps the film grounded even as the violence escalates. He is joined by Charithra Chandran, Julian Kostov, Katee Sackhoff, Marko Zaror and Rebecka Johnston, all of whom add distinctive personalities to the ensemble.

The production took place in Hungary, with the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport doubling for many of the large scale set pieces. The filmmakers constructed elaborate interior sets to mimic the plane, allowing the stunt team to choreograph combat scenes in tight quarters. The result is a series of relentless sequences where the action never lets up and the environment itself becomes a character.

Critics have responded enthusiastically, calling Fight or Flight an action packed thrill ride that blends sharp humour with bone crunching spectacle. The comparisons to John Wick and Bullet Train have been common, particularly for the inventive choreography and slick style, yet the film distinguishes itself with its playful tone and the chemistry between Hartnett and Chandran.

With strong reviews and positive word of mouth, Fight or Flight is positioned as one of the standout cinematic experiences of the year. For anyone seeking adrenaline fuelled spectacle mixed with sharp wit, this is a flight well worth boarding. In Cinemas September 4.