7500

I don't like aviation movies, they never get more than two things in a row right. This movie hits home somewhat as I'm a pilot (though on a Boeing) and as such it could happen to me, so I was curious as to how bad another aviation movie on this topic could be.

This movie... I was stunned and amazed, I had a genuinely elevated heart rate all throughout watching it. You really feel the lack of movement and placement scripting in the absolute freedom and improvisation of the filming, it is so inconceivably unpredictable and realistic. All the procedures and actions are technically correct too, which can feel superfluous for the people that don't know and care, but is a level of authenticity in movies that I've never seen.

I am advising all my colleagues to see this.

I fly the A319/320/321. Whoever consulted on the film did a good job, and incorporated realism to how the airplane is flown. That constant beating on the door is also accurate. It won't open unless someone lets you in.

I was surprised to see this movie only has a 6.3 rating. I think audiences are too used to the same clichéd story structure we see in pretty much all action movies; the villain causes mayhem, the protagonist underdog steps-up, and against all odds defeats the evil, saves the day, is reunited with their love interest, and walks off a hero... roll credits. This movie challenges that cliché, and it does it in a brutal fashion. It's much more of a psychological-action movie than a classic action movie. There are no epic fight scenes, courageous last second acts of heroism or sudden unexpected plot twists. It's completely raw, "how would a post 9/11 airplane hijacking scenario unfold in real life conditions?". And that's exactly what you get, with almost no sugar-coating. That's not to say that the movie doesn't conform to some clichés, but the brutal and harrowing reality it portrays is akin to a movie based on real events, yet this is completely fictional. To say the ending is abrupt is an understatement, I certainly had a "wait, what?" moment. But in hindsight, it's actually very fitting with the narrative of the movie. There's definitely a huge psychological element that will leave you feeling very uneasy and claustrophobic, but I personally praise it for its raw and unforgiving depiction of how a real-life hijacking could potentially play out.

7.5/10.

This is a real anti-hollywood movie. A gritty movie that is thrilling and suspensful without the glitz and shine, the need to embelish real life and have super happy endings. Just solid performances and what could actually happen. They clearly had pilots, pschologists and police advise them. There may be holes, but they were inaccurancies above my level of knowledge. Had me enthalled, better than its reviews, but not for everyone, if you like your movies realistic and/or like planes this one is for you.

I had a good time with this film. The story and the characters were immersive, the editing and the pace were spot on, but the lack of a soundtrack and the cinematography were negatives for me. It almost has an indie-film quality going on. The style(or lack thereof) may put off your typical moviegoer but looking past those oddities reveals a hidden gem of a movie.