Fight or Flight (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Fight or Flight” (2025) is an action-packed thriller directed by James Madigan and written by Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona. The film follows a mercenary who is assigned to track down a target on a plane, only to find himself protecting her when they are surrounded by deadly assassins. Starring Josh Hartnett in a high-energy role, this movie blends intense combat sequences, dark humor, and a touch of absurdity, creating a unique viewing experience.
If you’re a fan of high-octane action movies set in confined spaces—such as Bullet Train or John Wick—you might find Fight or Flight an enjoyable ride. However, does it live up to expectations, or is it just another over-the-top action flick? Let’s dive into an in-depth review.
Plot and Storyline Analysis
At its core, Fight or Flight presents a familiar action-thriller premise: a mission gone wrong, forcing an anti-hero to fight for survival. The protagonist, played by Josh Hartnett, is a mercenary assigned to locate and capture a hacker aboard a commercial flight. However, the situation escalates when a wave of assassins emerges, leading to a chaotic and brutal mid-air battle.
While the premise is promising, the story struggles with predictability. The plot relies heavily on action rather than strong character development. Twists feel rushed, and exposition-heavy dialogue slows the pacing at times. However, the absurdity of the situation—such as a chainsaw fight inside an airplane—gives the movie an entertaining edge.
Josh Hartnett’s Performance and Cast Highlights
Josh Hartnett, who has recently revitalized his career with roles in Trap and Oppenheimer, is undoubtedly the highlight of Fight or Flight. His commitment to physical action sequences and his darkly humorous performance make the film more enjoyable. He delivers a mix of controlled intensity and unhinged energy, particularly in scenes where his character is under the influence of hallucinogens mid-battle.
The supporting cast, unfortunately, doesn’t get enough screen time. The team of assassins—including a pop-star hitman and a warrior monk squad—had the potential to be memorable, but they are underutilized. Their brief moments on screen are fun, but the movie misses an opportunity to explore their characters in depth.
Action Sequences and Cinematic Execution
Fight Choreography and Cinematography
The film’s strongest suit is its action choreography. Despite budget constraints, the fight scenes are well-staged, making good use of the airplane’s confined setting. The best moments include:
- A chainsaw battle at high altitude.
- A gravity-defying fight sequence during turbulence.
- A creative sequence where assassins are sucked out of a depressurized cabin.
That said, the editing could be smoother. Some fight scenes suffer from excessive cuts, making it harder to follow the action. Compared to the fluid choreography of John Wick, Fight or Flight falls short but still delivers entertaining sequences.
Visual Effects and Production Design
The film’s budget limitations are evident in some CGI effects, particularly in blood splatter and environmental destruction. While serviceable, they don’t always match the intensity of practical effects seen in top-tier action films. The production design, on the other hand, effectively transforms the airplane into a claustrophobic battlefield, enhancing the film’s tension.
Humor and Tone: A Hit or Miss?
One of the movie’s more divisive elements is its humor. The script tries to blend action with comedy, much like Bullet Train, but it doesn’t always land. Some jokes feel forced or mistimed, leading to awkward silences. However, a few absurd moments—such as a random encounter with samurai warriors—embrace the film’s over-the-top nature in a way that works.
The film is at its best when it fully leans into its ridiculousness. Moments where Hartnett’s character reacts to the insanity around him with a “Why the hell not?” attitude add to the fun. If the film had embraced this tone even more, it could have been a cult classic in the making.
Comparisons and Influence
Fight or Flight draws heavy inspiration from recent action hits:
- Bullet Train (2022) – The blend of humor and action is reminiscent, though less refined.
- John Wick Franchise – The assassin-driven world and brutal hand-to-hand combat have clear influences.
- Smokin’ Aces (2006) – The diverse cast of assassins and chaotic shootouts feel similar.
While it doesn’t surpass these films, Fight or Flight still offers an enjoyable, albeit flawed, experience for action lovers.
Where to Watch Fight or Flight (2025) Online
For those eager to watch Fight or Flight, here are the current streaming and rental options (availability may vary based on region):
Streaming Services (Subscription-Based)
- Sky Cinema / NOW TV (UK) – Watch here
Rental & Purchase (On-Demand Services in the U.S.)
- JustWatch – Check availability: Click here
Availability may expand to other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies in the coming months.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Fight or Flight?
Pros:
✅ Exciting action sequences with creative fight choreography
✅ Josh Hartnett’s committed and entertaining performance
✅ Absurd, over-the-top moments that add to the fun
Cons:
❌ Weak script with forced humor and predictable plot twists
❌ Underdeveloped supporting characters
❌ CGI and editing inconsistencies
Fight or Flight is a fun, albeit flawed, action film that delivers thrills but falls short of being a genre standout. If you enjoy mid-budget action flicks that don’t take themselves too seriously, it’s worth a watch—especially for Josh Hartnett’s performance and the chaotic airborne fight scenes.
Would you like to see a sequel with improved writing and deeper character development? Let us know in the comments!
