Shelter

Story: A former assassin, Michael Mason (Jason Statham), leading a reclusive life on a remote island rescues a young girl from a storm. As he is forced out of his self-imposed exile to help her, his past puts them both in danger. He must protect her while trying to survive the deadliest agents from MI6.

Review: The movie begins on a moody note, with the dark tones of a Scottish island and a sombre loner (Jason Statham) living in an abandoned lighthouse, avoiding even the semblance of human contact. So much so that he gets all his supplies delivered to him and refuses to even accept a gift left at his doorstep. This changes when he rescues the young delivery girl, Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach), from a deadly storm. With her only relative, an uncle who ferries her up to make the delivery, dead in the storm, he comes out of his isolation to buy medical supplies for her. Here on, the narrative shifts to an out-and-out actioner. The backstory reveals his stint as a ‘gold standard’ assassin for MI6.

Like many action outings, the focus here is not a deep story. However, director Ric Roman Waugh and writer Parry Ward keep the narrative engaging, and much of it stems from Mason’s attempt not just to survive but also to keep Jessie alive. The slick action sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. While the story has him outrunning the MI6, especially his former boss, Manafort (Bill Nighy), who’s after his blood for disobeying his direct order a decade ago, and the new head of MI6 (Naomi Ackie in an underwritten role), the narrative feels skewed in the third act. Mason vows to go after Manafort, hinting retribution is in store. But the payoff is abrupt. Mason trusting a trafficker with providing Jessie a safe passage feels unconvincing even if there’s an explanation. Manafort keeping tabs on the current MI6 team is depicted but not followed up.

This is a Jason Statham show, start to finish. The action star brings gravitas to the screen as the brooding yet gentle and righteous former elite agent. He stuns in every action sequence. Bodhi Rae Breathnach delivers a powerful turn. The duo has an adorable chemistry. Bill Nighy is menacing as the cold-blooded Manafort. Naomi Ackie’s character could have been more developed.

While effective as an action thriller, the narrative leaves much to be desired. Still, it’s a decent watch for the constant thrills it delivers.