Flight Risk (15) |Close-Up Film Review

Cast: Michelle Dockery, Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace
Review by Matthew Morlai Kamara
The film kicks off with U.S. Marshal Samantha Doyle (Michelle Dockery) tasked with transporting a nervous witness, Eddie (Topher Grace) aboard a small plane flying over Alaska’s remote, snowy wilderness. Things take a dark turn when turbulence—and hidden agendas—send the mission spiraling into chaos. The stakes rise as tensions flare between the passengers, leading to betrayals, power struggles, and a race against time for survival.
While the claustrophobic setting of the plane is well-utilized to create a sense of dread, Flight Risk walks a fine line between suspense and absurdity. Wahlberg fully commits to his morally ambiguous role, adding depth to a character whose scheming keeps the audience guessing. Michelle Dockery impresses as the determined yet emotionally guarded marshal, delivering a layered performance that holds the film together, while Topher Grace is a standout, turning Eddie’s jittery demeanor into a source of both humor and unexpected poignancy.
However, the film stumbles in its pacing, with a sagging middle act that occasionally veers into melodrama. Some plot twists feel contrived, undermining the tension built earlier. That said, its self-aware tone saves it from completely crashing, blending suspense with a dash of cheeky humor.
Flight Risk is a rocky ride, but its strong performances and gripping premise make it a watchable thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously.