In the realm of thrillers, few scenarios are as unnerving as finding yourself stranded in a confined space with unsavoury characters. With this in mind, we can’t wait to experience the imminent perfidious nightmare at 10,000 feet when Mel Gibson‘s Flight Risk releases in theaters this Friday, 24 January.
Directed by Gibson, from a script penned by Jared Rosenberg, Wahlberg plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery – The Gentlemen, Please Don’t Feed the Children, “Downton Abbey”) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace – Spider-Man 3, Interstellar, Predators) to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.
Rosenberg’s screenplay was voted onto the year’s “Black List” of the most-liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood in December 2020. Commenting on the release, Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, “We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg … These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
In anticipation of the film’s impending release, we’ve drawn up a list of five gripping thriller films that explore the terrifying concept of being trapped in confined spaces where trust is in short supply. Whether it’s a remote research station, a sealed elevator, or a secluded estate, these movies use claustrophobia and paranoia to amplify the tension, leaving you questioning who you can believe. Each film pushes its characters to the brink, where every interaction could mean life or death. If you’re a fan of high-stakes suspense and psychological twists, these films are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
(2010) – Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Synopsis: In Philadelphia, five strangers are trapped in an elevator, and it becomes clear that one of them might be the Devil in disguise. Detective Bowden investigates from outside the elevator, and tensions rise as secrets are revealed.
Why the paranoia and mistrust are so effective: The confined space of the elevator creates an immediate sense of claustrophobia and entrapment, amplifying the suspicion that anyone could be the antagonist. The unknown identity of the Devil is a perfect breeding ground for paranoia, as everyone becomes a suspect. The static setting and the isolation of the elevator intensifies the sense of distrust among the trapped characters, making every interaction feel more dangerous.
(2003) – Directed by James Mangold
Synopsis: Ten strangers are stranded at a secluded Nevada motel during a storm, where they are systematically killed off one by one. As the group unravels, they realize that they are connected in a mysterious way.
Why the paranoia and mistrust are so effective: The isolation of the motel during a violent storm creates a perfect storm (pun intended) for paranoia. The characters have no choice but to trust one another, but as the deaths continue, suspicion is cast on each person’s motives and background. The confined space forces characters into close quarters, exacerbating mistrust, and with each new death, the fear that no one is truly who they claim to be becomes more pressing.
(1982) – Directed by John Carpenter
Synopsis: A US research team in Antarctica discovers a shape-shifting alien life form that can assimilate other organisms, leading to the terrifying realization that anyone in the base could be infected. The team’s paranoia escalates as they try to identify who is still human and who has been taken over.
Why the paranoia and mistrust are so effective: The film takes place in a small, isolated Antarctic research station, and the fear of the unknown is the key to the growing tension. The alien’s ability to mimic others means that every person in the station could be an imposter, and the inability to trust anyone fuels constant paranoia. The confined space magnifies the claustrophobia, as the group is trapped in an environment where there is no escape from suspicion and fear.
(2013) – Directed by James Ward Byrkit
Synopsis: Eight friends gather for a dinner party during a cosmic event, and strange occurrences begin to happen, leading them to question their reality. They are forced to confront alternate versions of themselves, deepening the paranoia.
Why the paranoia and mistrust are so effective: Although not literally confined in a physical space, the confined emotional and psychological space that the characters inhabit as the reality-bending events unfold is crucial. As they begin to encounter alternate versions of themselves, the sense of mistrust escalates, especially as everyone questions who is real and who can be trusted. The dinner party setting adds an intimate but fraught atmosphere, where the stakes are raised as personal relationships are tested by the bizarre and unnerving events.
(2011) – Directed by Adam Wingard
Synopsis: A family reunion at a secluded estate turns deadly when masked assailants begin attacking the family members. As the violence unfolds, the survivors are forced to deal with secrets, betrayals, and unexpected threats from within the family.
Why the paranoia and mistrust are so effective: The family’s isolation in the large, remote estate creates a confined space where mistrust between family members escalates quickly. The assailants’ mysterious masks are a visual cue that no one is who they seem to be, creating a sense of paranoia that extends beyond the obvious external threat. The characters’ own secrets and lies intensify the sense of mistrust, particularly when some family members begin to suspect that there might be a traitor among them. This dynamic ensures that the film’s tension doesn’t just come from external threats but also from the fragile bonds between the characters.
Flight Risk releases in theaters January 24, 2025, brought to you by Lionsgate.
