Red Eye is a 2005 crime, mystery, and thriller movie directed by Wes Craven. The movie stars Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox, Laura Johnson, and Max Kasch. The film revolves around Lisa Reisert, a hotel manager who is on her way back to Miami from Dallas on a red-eye flight. Lisa meets Jackson Rippner, a charming man, at the airport, and they both get on the same flight. However, Jackson turns out to be a terrorist who is after one of the passengers on the plane, and Lisa is given an impossible choice to make.
Synopsis
Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) is a hotel manager at the luxurious Lux Atlantic in Miami. She is returning from a business trip to Dallas and is taking a red-eye flight back to Miami. At the airport, she meets Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy), who is also on his way to Miami. They spend time together at the bar, and Lisa is intrigued by Jackson’s charm.
While boarding the plane, Lisa is surprised to find that Jackson is sitting next to her. However, after takeoff, Jackson reveals himself as a terrorist who is on a mission to kill Charles Keefe, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who is staying at Lisa’s hotel. Jackson forces Lisa to make a call to the hotel to change Keefe’s room to a room where the terrorists can attack him. If Lisa doesn’t cooperate, Jackson will have her father killed by a hired hitman.
Lisa tries to find a way to alert the other passengers and get help, but Jackson has his eyes on her every move. After several attempts, Lisa finally writes a message in the airplane bathroom mirror, describing the situation, hoping someone will see it and alert the authorities. However, Jackson finds out and retaliates violently.
While Jackson is distracted with another task, Lisa summons the courage to use the in-flight phone to call her hotel and try to warn the authorities about the terrorist plot. However, she is intercepted by Jackson and gives up the attempt. Later, Lisa strikes a deal with Jackson and agrees to help him, but with a backup plan to alert the authorities once they land in Miami.
After landing, Lisa is taken to the hotel by Jackson and his team. With the pressure mounting, Lisa must discover Jackson’s plan and find a way to stop him before it’s too late. Will Lisa be able to outsmart Jackson and save the Deputy Secretary and her own father’s life?
Review
Red Eye is an intense action-thriller with an intricate plot and some suspenseful moments. Wes Craven effectively creates a sense of urgency and tension with the fast pace of events in the movie. Rachel McAdams delivers a commendable performance as Lisa and manages to portray a range of emotions and expressions that keep us engaged with her character throughout the movie. Cillian Murphy, as Jackson, brings a sinister and cold-blooded aura to the character with his exceptional acting skills.
The movie covers a slightly unusual story of a terrorist plot, and the setup of the red-eye flight adds to the overall tension and danger of the situation. The conflict of the story is heightened with Jackson’s manipulation of Lisa, which also allows us to see the lengths a terrorist will go to achieve their goal. The movie also tries to project Lisa’s character as a strong and independent woman, which is admirable.
However, the central conflict of the film is a bit predictable and, at times, seems contrived. The movie’s third act also feels a bit rushed, but overall, Red Eye still manages to keep us gripped and engaged with the plot. The movie’s visual style, including its cinematography and soundtrack, works well in creating a sense of dread.
Conclusion
Red Eye is a nail-biting thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. It offers a great performance by the cast and presents a story of conspiracy, manipulation, and terror. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced plot, suspense, and a thrilling ride from start to finish.
