The skies are far from friendly in the new thriller “Flight Risk.” This gripping film, directed by Mel Gibson, features Mark Wahlberg in a decidedly uncharacteristic role: a balding, unhinged hitman. Gibson, known for his epic battle scenes in films like “Braveheart” and “Hacksaw Ridge,” trades sprawling landscapes for the claustrophobic confines of a small plane traversing the Alaskan wilderness.
The film centers on a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between Wahlberg’s contract killer and Michelle Dockery’s FBI agent. Dockery, a departure from her refined “Downton Abbey” persona, is tasked with escorting a government witness (Topher Grace) to trial. Wahlberg’s character, however, has other plans, setting the stage for a thrilling in-flight confrontation. Wahlberg appears to relish this villainous role, a stark contrast to his typical heroic portrayals.
Lionsgate will release “Flight Risk,” written by Jared Rosenberg, on January 24th. This marks a reunion for Wahlberg and Gibson, who previously collaborated on the 2022 faith-based drama “Father Stu.” The film also represents a return to directing for Gibson, whose career, though punctuated by off-screen controversies, boasts an impressive resume including the Oscar-winning “Braveheart,” “Hacksaw Ridge” (for which he received an Oscar nomination), “Apocalypto,” and “The Passion of the Christ.” He is reportedly planning a sequel to the latter.
Beyond “Flight Risk,” Wahlberg recently starred in Netflix’s “The Union,” while Dockery appeared in “Here” alongside Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. Topher Grace also recently featured in the critically acclaimed horror film, “Heretic.”