Liam Neeson is back in the driver’s seat—literally—in Retribution, a gripping action-thriller now streaming on Lionsgate Play. Known for his intense roles in Taken and Non-Stop, Neeson once again proves why audiences can’t get enough of his edge-of-your-seat performances. But this time, the battlefield isn’t an airport or a foreign city—it’s the inside of a moving car.
A Car Ride That Turns into a Death Trap
The story follows Matt Turner, a Berlin-based investment banker, played by Neeson. What starts as a routine school run with his children quickly spirals into a nightmare when he receives a chilling phone call: there’s a pressure-sensitive bomb under his seat.
If anyone gets out of the car, it explodes. With time running out, Matt must keep his kids calm, dodge police suspicion, and uncover the mysterious caller’s motive before the deadly trap claims them all.
The Director’s Unique Approach
Retribution is helmed by Nimród Antal, the filmmaker behind Predators and Vacancy. While it’s the third remake of the 2015 Spanish film El Desconocido, Antal explained in an interview with Forbes that he deliberately avoided watching the earlier versions. “To this day, I have not seen the Spanish or the German remake… I just wanted to keep it fresh and authentic. It wasn’t out of arrogance—it was simply to avoid being influenced.”
This decision pays off, creating a claustrophobic yet fresh take on the story, where most of the tension unfolds inside the confines of a single car.
More Than Explosions: A Story About Family
What makes Retribution stand out is not just the heart-stopping action but also its emotional core. Alongside Neeson, actors Noma Dumezweni, Lilly Aspell, and Jack Champion bring depth and vulnerability to the story, making it not just a survival thriller but also a tale about trust, family, and sacrifice.
If you’re craving a white-knuckle thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end, Retribution is a must-watch. With its high-stakes premise, relentless pacing, and powerful performances, it’s a ride that proves Liam Neeson still knows how to deliver blockbuster-level suspense.
Catch Retribution now on Lionsgate Play and see if you could survive the drive.