The Mark Wahlberg thriller Flight Risk, which struggled during its theatrical debut, is now experiencing unexpected popularity on streaming platforms, underscoring a dramatic shift in the film’s reception. The movie, directed by Mel Gibson and featuring a star-studded cast, has recently climbed to the number two spot on Starz, surprising many observers after its poor box office showing.
Flight Risk initially launched in theaters with high expectations due to Wahlberg’s leading role, Michelle Dockery’s performance as Harris, and Topher Grace portraying a convicted fugitive. Despite this promising lineup, the Lionsgate action film only managed to earn $42 million globally, coupled with a meager 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This led critics and audiences alike to dismiss the project as another mid-budget misfire. However, in a surprising turnaround, streaming viewers—particularly Starz subscribers—are giving the Mark Wahlberg thriller Flight Risk streaming success, providing a new lease on life for the embattled title.
Streaming Viewers Embrace the Thriller After Theatrical Struggles
The plot of Flight Risk centers on Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Daryl Booth, a mentally unstable bush pilot who is assigned to transport a federal fugitive, played by Topher Grace, across the harsh expanse of Alaska. Michelle Dockery takes on the role of a confident Air Marshal named Harris, tasked with maintaining order in the high-pressure scenario. As the isolated journey unfolds thousands of feet above ground, the passengers’ true identities and dark secrets come to light, resulting in escalating tension and blurred lines between hero and villain. The film’s script, penned by Jared Rosenberg, creates a closed-in, nerve-wracking atmosphere, heightened by Gibson’s direction and the psychological interplay between the characters.
Despite the promise of its premise and the industry clout behind its cast and creative team, Flight Risk failed to win over critics. Jeff Ewing of Collider remarked that the film
struggles to keep pace with its own ambitions.
—Jeff Ewing, Collider. He also noted mismatched acting, stating,
“Some performances are far better than others, and they aren’t all consistently memorable or engaging enough to carry the film over the finish line.”
—Jeff Ewing, Collider. These critiques highlighted issues with the movie’s sometimes repetitive and underdeveloped plot, putting extra pressure on its stars to elevate the script during the tense scenes set in a single-engine aircraft with no safety net.
Main Cast Members
In Flight Risk, Mark Wahlberg headlines as Daryl Booth, the unpredictable antagonist whose actions drive much of the suspense. Michelle Dockery plays Harris, the vigilant Air Marshal charged with keeping everything under control despite mounting dangers. Topher Grace completes the central triangle as the nervous yet mysterious fugitive at the heart of the federal transport mission.
What This Streaming Surge Means for Flight Risk
The current streaming success of Flight Risk on Starz demonstrates how digital platforms can breathe new life into films that initially miss the mark with critics and theater audiences. While the movie struggled to attract attention during its cinematic run, it is now resonating with a broader audience eager for tense, psychological thrillers featuring major stars like Mark Wahlberg. This turnaround highlights the unpredictable nature of audience reception in the age of streaming and may influence how future releases are evaluated by studios, critics, and viewers alike. Fans interested in high-stakes dramas can now find Flight Risk easily accessible online and can expect ongoing updates about the film and its cast, including Mel Gibson and Michelle Dockery, as renewed interest grows.
