Gerard Butler’s latest film, Kandahar, released on May 26, 2023, has quickly become a point of discussion among viewers despite its modest 45% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This spy thriller, available now on Netflix, features Butler as Tom Harris, a former CIA operative embarking on a dangerous mission in Afghanistan, blending intense action with a reflective storytelling approach that challenges the usual fast-paced blockbuster formula.
Setting the Stage: A High-Stakes Spy Mission in Kandahar
In Kandahar, Butler portrays Tom Harris, a freelance CIA operative tasked with sabotaging an Iranian nuclear facility. While the mission initially appears successful, it triggers a violent chain of events that puts Harris’s life in jeopardy. With his face broadcast across global news, Harris becomes the target of Pakistani forces, Iranian special units, and Taliban warlords. Alongside his Afghan-American translator, Mohammed “Mo” Doud, played by Navid Negahban, Harris must navigate the hostile terrain of Kandahar to survive. The opening sequence, marked by a massive explosion at the nuclear complex, immediately plunges the audience into the film’s heart-pounding tension, setting the tone for a story filled with high-speed chases and intense gunfights across chaotic street markets.
Despite its explosive start, Kandahar diverges from Butler’s typical nonstop pacing by incorporating slower, more deliberate scenes. Early in the film, Harris’s routine — departing Iran, picking gifts for his daughter, and interacting with CIA contacts — is shown in detail, creating a grounded introduction that contrasts with the frenetic action to come. This pause allows viewers to understand Harris’s world and the personal stakes involved, offering moments of humanity amidst the peril.
An Unconventional Pace Balances Tension with Atmospheric Suspense
The film’s deliberate pacing finds another expression in the extensive desert sequences where Harris and Mo are pursued by ISI agents. Rather than mere downtime, these scenes emphasize the vastness and isolation of the Afghan landscape, amplifying the vulnerability of the protagonists. The empty, nighttime desert setting draws out the tension, making the environment itself a critical element of the story. The quiet before the storm is palpable, soon shattered by a helicopter attack and ensuing gunfight that reignites the film’s adrenaline rush.
Some critics have highlighted a lack of character depth in Kandahar, arguing that the personalities of Harris, Mo, and their pursuers are insufficiently explored. While the motivations are straightforward, with clear objectives driving each side, the film prioritizes delivering action and suspense over layering complex character development. This choice aligns with the movie’s dedication to classic action storytelling rather than a deep psychological drama.
Authenticity Amidst Action Elevates Butler’s Kandahar Beyond Its Rotten Tomatoes Score
What many critics may overlook is the grounded authenticity behind Kandahar’s screenplay. Written by Mitchell LaFortune, a former military intelligence officer familiar with the real events inspiring the story, the script is rooted in actual experiences rather than pure fiction. This connection lends a credible weight to the film’s narrative, differentiating it from conventional action fare.
Despite its 45% critic rating, Kandahar’s commitment to fast-paced excitement combined with its realistic foundation challenges the negative assessments. For audiences seeking an adrenaline-driven thriller that respects its source material and includes reflective moments on the human cost of espionage, Kandahar offers a compelling viewing experience. Now streaming on Netflix, the movie invites viewers to weigh its merits for themselves, particularly fans of Gerard Butler’s intense, action-centered roles.
Gerard Butler’s portrayal of Tom Harris and the contributions of Navid Negahban as Mohammed “Mo” Doud provide a grounded and gritty dynamic that drives this tense survival story. As the film continues to gain attention on streaming platforms, its reception may evolve beyond initial critical impressions, highlighting the enduring appeal of well-executed action thrillers grounded in real-world contexts.
