What comes next is a claustrophobic, tour de force in which
every character is put under intense scrutiny, including the lead and
preconceived notions begin playing their role in a cat-and-mouse game of intrigue.
In the case of other films that have focused on mysteries, the overall story can sometimes be hampered by an overabundance of red herrings and thankfully, “Non-Stop” avoids this pitfall. Instead, it plays everyone off as the exact opposite of suspects.
They are ordinary and relatable often kind people caught up in a high-pressure situation and everybody’s “bad” side is bound to break loose. This is a much more realistic approach than the typical darting looks of a nervous onlooker or the person who was overly nice suddenly exhibiting strange behavior, soon being cast in a suspicious light.
In the case of other films that have focused on mysteries, the overall story can sometimes be hampered by an overabundance of red herrings and thankfully, “Non-Stop” avoids this pitfall. Instead, it plays everyone off as the exact opposite of suspects.
They are ordinary and relatable often kind people caught up in a high-pressure situation and everybody’s “bad” side is bound to break loose. This is a much more realistic approach than the typical darting looks of a nervous onlooker or the person who was overly nice suddenly exhibiting strange behavior, soon being cast in a suspicious light.
The psychological aspects of being stuck in a tight space
together and how a diverse range of people, interact with each other plays as
an interesting character study. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill thriller as it
is constantly posing questions, effectively putting viewers into the seats
alongside the passengers by engaging them in a scenario that sadly
feels, all too possible, and asks what you would do.
As he did behind the lens of 2009’s gripping “Orphan”, director Jaume Collet-Serra ratchets up the tension in a slow build as things escalate and flaring tempers are pushed to their breaking points.
As he did behind the lens of 2009’s gripping “Orphan”, director Jaume Collet-Serra ratchets up the tension in a slow build as things escalate and flaring tempers are pushed to their breaking points.
In his second collaboration with Liam Neeson (“Unknown”
being the other), Collet-Serra zeroes in on why Neeson is such an exceptional
leading actor. He is strong, unwavering and passionate with a gruffness that
camouflages a compassionate heart.
He gives viewers something to root for before we have all of the reasons why we should; evoking a leap of faith that he is always a good guy. Not since, the spectacular “The Grey” has Neeson been given a chance to show his acting range, reminding viewers he’s a thespian first and action hero second.
He gives viewers something to root for before we have all of the reasons why we should; evoking a leap of faith that he is always a good guy. Not since, the spectacular “The Grey” has Neeson been given a chance to show his acting range, reminding viewers he’s a thespian first and action hero second.
In co-star Julianne Moore, he finds a screen partner to
crackle alongside; Moore bringing her gift for sharp comedic wit and in the
next scene, a deft hand of drama. The entire supporting cast all do an
incredible job bringing dimension to their roles in a fashion that makes them
feel incredibly authentic. It’s the best ensemble so far this year with
performances that share a knack for dynamic depth.
“Non-Stop” is an effective thriller that sprinkles in the
appropriate amount of situational comedy, remaining a vigorous drama at its
core. It’s one of those rare films that truly knows what it is doing and deftly
goes about executing it in a rhythmic fashion that never veers off its flight
plan. Rating: 8/10
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