Plane

The press screener for Plane is an experience in itself, complete with flight attendants situated at every corner of the cinema, and a booth staged like first-class seats. Employees all around talk as if they’re welcoming the attendees on board for a flight, and a safety warning occurs, detailing the emergency exits, how to fasten the seatbelts (there are none, of course) and how to use the oxygen masks. It’s an all too familiar sight before Gerard Butler appears on screen and introduces the film.

Plane follows pilot Brodie Torrance alongside his crew and passengers as they fight to survive in a war zone area of the Philippines after a lightning strike shoots down their aircraft. Already, just from its premise, there are issues, given the political unrest surrounding the real-life situation of Jolo Island in the Philippines. Some of the events in Plane directly allude to things that have actually happened on the island, and while violence is part and parcel of an action flick, there’s something unsettling about a group of armed Americans and one Scotsman killing all the locals after crash-landing into their territory.

Fortunately, the feature never marketed itself as an accurate historical or political portrayal so it feels very justified, given how well Evan Dane Taylor plays the role of the villain, head chief Junmar (difficulty speaking Tagalog aside). Unfortunately, he has very little screen time – a shame as he’s the perfect antagonist to Butler’s rough, rugged and determined hero archetype, a role the Scot has perfected over the years. Yoson An also gives an endearing performance, an honest upgrade from his role in Mulan.

Another problematic aspect of Plane is the use of Mike Colter as the magic Black character (Louis Gaspare, a prisoner onboard), who serves no other purpose than to aid the White hero. While Colter does what he can with what he is given – and does it very well – there’s still not enough depth there, despite his Gaspare being the deuteragonist. That’s not to say his tandem with Butler isn’t enjoyable: it’s one of the highlights of the film, mellowing the tension with a growing bond and friendship.

While predictable in writing and a little rushed at the end, Plane keeps the audience’s interest through high tension and pressure. The comedic beats don’t detract from the situation the characters face, and the cinematography and audio work together to evoke stress in the viewers. The production uses a lot of the natural resources available, such as lighting, dust and the sounds of nature, to build the world and atmosphere of Jolo island. This in turn helps emphasise the use of guerrilla war tactics. Furthermore, shaky camera movements and the constant playing with perspective further immerse viewers into the film, as if they’re the ones possibly falling to their deaths.

Mae Trumata

Plane is released nationwide on 27^th January 2023.

Watch the trailer for Plane here: