Retribution (2023)

The storyline of Retribution revolves around Matt Turner (played by Neeson), a bank executive who receives a phone call from an attacker claiming there is a bomb in his car. Turner’s scepticism fades when the bomb detonates in the trunk of his vehicle, leaving him with no choice but to comply with the assailant’s instructions. This leads Turner on a chase through the city, where he must engage in perilous actions to ensure his and his family’s survival.

Retribution is a run-of-the-mill and predictable thriller that contains a few action sequences and an absurd twist ending. Liam Neeson delivers the only decent performance in the movie, although his character lacks depth, and his motivations remain unclear. The supporting characters are mostly forgettable. While the direction is competent, it lacks inspiration.

Retribution’s plot is riddled with inconsistencies and unresolved questions. For instance, it remains unclear why Turner has been targeted by this assailant or their intentions towards him. And, considering his age, Turner still manages to accomplish feats, like leaping out of a moving car or outpacing individuals.

The action scenes in the movie are well executed. But they don’t leave a lasting impression. We’ve seen it all before – and done better. The twist ending is more silly than shocking and raises more questions than answers.

The direction of Retribution is competent yet lacking inspiration. Antal handles the action scenes okay but fails to bring any flair to the film. The soundtrack is forgettable and generic, while the cinematography is unremarkable.

After watching Retribution I felt frustrated. Let down. I had hoped for a more suspenseful thriller. Instead, I got an unoriginal action movie with predictable twists. I wouldn’t recommend Retribution to anyone because it falls short of being a worthwhile action flick. If you’re seeking a gripping thriller, there are better choices available.

(In cinemas – check your local movie guide for show times.)