Why Does Flight Risk Feel Like A Crash Landing For Gibson?

Article by Robbie Fleming

Director: Mel Gibson

Studio: Lionsgate 

UK Release date: 24th January 2025

Flight Risk is the latest film from Oscar-winning director—and controversial Hollywood figure—Mel Gibson, marking his first directorial effort since the critically acclaimed Hacksaw Ridge (2016). The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace, following a pilot (Wahlberg) tasked with transporting an Air Marshal (Dockery) and a fugitive (Grace) across the Alaskan wilderness. However, as the journey unfolds, the identities and intentions of those onboard come into question.

If you’re familiar with Gibson’s directorial work, his films often feature grand, epic storytelling, breathtaking cinematography, and large ensembles of talented actors. Flight Risk, however, is the complete opposite—a small-scale, contained thriller with just three main characters. It’s a surprising choice for Gibson, and unfortunately, it doesn’t quite play to his strengths.

While I may not agree with the controversies surrounding Gibson, I’ve always found his films to be visually striking with engaging narratives. That’s why it’s so surprising to see him take on a more intimate, confined story. While his signature visual style is still present, Flight Risk simply doesn’t feel like the right project for him.

The film takes place entirely within the airplane, which severely limits the cinematography. There are almost no exterior shots of the plane in flight, making the visuals feel repetitive and claustrophobic in a way that works against the film rather than enhancing the tension. The lack of variety in the camerawork makes the movie feel cheaper than it should, and the pacing quickly becomes stale.

With only three characters in a small plane, the story doesn’t feel like it warrants a 90-minute runtime. There’s just not enough happening to sustain interest for that long. If the film had been presented in real time—something filmmakers like Richard Linklater or Christopher Nolan might experiment with—it could have felt more immersive and engaging. As it stands, it struggles to keep the momentum going.

Mark Wahlberg hasn’t had a strong role in a while, and Flight Risk does nothing to change that. His performance feels uninspired, and to make matters worse, the bald cap he wears throughout the film is distracting and unnatural. Topher Grace, who can be a solid performer in the right role, feels wooden here, almost as if he’s playing the same character he always does.

The only real standout is Michelle Dockery, who delivers the film’s only convincing performance. She brings a much-needed presence to the screen, but unfortunately, she can’t save the film on her own.

Flight Risk feels like a major step down for Gibson as a director. How do you go from making one of the best films of 2016 to this? It’s as if he’s forgotten how to direct a compelling movie. With weak performances, uninspired cinematography, and a story that doesn’t justify its runtime, Flight Risk is, so far, the weakest film I’ve seen this year. I only give it a rating of a 2 out of 5 stars and a 4/10.

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