Non-Stop

It’s as if the film industry is trying to create a generation of aviophobes. We’ve had Samuel L Jackson fending off snakes, Bruce Willis nearly destroying an airport in an attempt to fight off mercenaries; now we have Liam Neeson front and centre as he vies to overcome almost impossible odds in a desperate attempt to save a plane full of passengers.

What could arguably be called one of the biggest “whodunits” of the decade, Non-Stop follows Bill Marks, our alcoholic air marshall (who, ironically, abhors the idea of flying) in his trying struggle – amid twists and turns that you won’t see coming – to ultimately save the day. Through thrills and open-mouthed shock, we delve into the electrifying conspiracy as it unfolds in front of the passengers, who are gripping the seats just as much as the audience seeing the film.

This mystery thriller has it all: deafening explosions, laced thick with nail-biting tension, and the intense grip of the harsh reality that sinks in towards the climax of the cinematic adventure. In addition to Neeson reprising his seemingly favourite role of the lonely man who shouts threateningly in a phone, we have Julianne Moore, the stunning Michelle Dockery, and Lupita Nyong’o supporting Neeson’s character in his – aptly titled – fight or flight plan to catch the ingenious terrorists.

Filled to the brim with close hand-to-hand combat and visually awe-striking action sequences, Non-Stop is at heart the most melodramatic live-action Cluedo adaptation the world will ever behold. Fingers and guns are pointed every which way, forcing you to situate yourself as a passenger on this adrenaline-fuelled journey, and become a character in the story itself. We’re placed in the middle of the action, not from the outside looking in. We’re made to feel as if this plane is an event that could happen – an idea that is cemented as we painstakingly discover the truth.

Hannah Ross

Non-Stop is released nationwide on 28^th February 2014.

Watch the trailer for Non-Stop here: