A mid-air hostage crisis forces a rugged protagonist into relentless, claustrophobic combat aboard a plane, blending brutal hand-to-hand brawls with gritty practicality in a taut, B-movie thriller.
Fight or Flight isn’t trying to be deep or revolutionary. It aims for tight, bruising action and a showcase for Josh Hartnett to punch and kick his way through a mid-air hostage crisis—and it succeeds. This is a contained thriller with just enough setup to get you on the plane, followed by a relentless series of dented-face brawls to keep you strapped in.
Hartnett’s Physical Commitment Shines
Hartnett performing most of his own stunts elevates the film. The hits feel visceral, the choreography is sharp, and the hand-to-hand combat is savagely effective, putting pricier blockbusters to shame. The action avoids quick-cut cheats, relying on real contact, messy takedowns, and Hartnett’s full-throttle effort. A standout gag involves his 6’3” frame awkwardly ducking in the pilot’s cabin—a funny, effortless touch.
Budget Constraints and Savvy Priorities
The film’s financial limits show: green-screen exteriors and a digital haze in non-plane scenes occasionally break immersion. Yet prioritizing action sequences was the right call. When Fight or Flight unleashes its chaos, it goes all in.
Josh Hartnett and JuJu Chan Szeto in Fight or Flight (2024)
JuJu Chan Szeto in Fight or Flight (2024)
Josh Hartnett in Fight or Flight (2024)
Charithra Chandran in Fight or Flight (2024)
Josh Hartnett, Charithra Chandran, Hughie O’Donnell, and JuJu Chan Szeto in Fight or Flight (2024)
Josh Hartnett in Fight or Flight (2024)
Josh Hartnett in Fight or Flight (2024)
Josh Hartnett in Fight or Flight (2024)
Fight of Flight (2024)
Pacing Hiccups in the Chaos
The movie’s brevity on paper belies its uneven pacing. Odd lulls between fights drag momentum, whether due to editing or a lack of tension-building material. Another set piece might have helped.
A Scrappy, Fun Throwback
Despite its under-the-radar release, Fight or Flight deserves credit for its scrappy ambition and practical thrills. A sequel or graphic novel expanding this world could lean into its quirky charm.
Final Verdict
This punchy B-movie won’t change your life, but it delivers exactly what it promises: Josh Hartnett beating down a plane full of goons with rugged charisma. Grab popcorn and let it rip.
Fight or Flight released in theaters May 9, 2025 (US)
Details
Rating Certificate: R (for strong bloody violence, language throughout and some drug material.)
Studios & Distributors: Asbury Park Productions | The Royal Budapest Film Co | F or F Films | Liam Jay Films | Thunder Road Pictures | Vertical Entertainment
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A mid-air hostage crisis forces a rugged protagonist into relentless, claustrophobic combat aboard a plane, blending brutal hand-to-hand brawls with gritty practicality in a taut, B-movie thriller.Fight or Flight Review: Intense Action Amid Budget Limits
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