If you’ve been scrolling through Netflix over the past couple of years, your thumb has likely paused over the poster for Interceptor (film). It’s the one featuring a determined-looking woman in a military uniform, standing in front of a massive radar dish. This 2022 action thriller proudly wears its influences on its sleeve while trying to carve out its own explosive niche.
But is Interceptor (film) a hidden gem of lean, mean action filmmaking, or a cliché-ridden B-movie that fails to launch? Let’s dive into the silo and find out.
The Plot of Interceptor (film): One Woman Against 16 Terrorists
The premise of Interceptor (film) is beautifully simple, and that’s its greatest strength. Captain JJ Collins (Elsa Pataky) is a decorated Army officer who finds herself exiled to a remote nuclear missile interception station in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. On her first day, a coordinated attack takes out all other interceptor stations and the command center, leaving her isolated base as the last line of defense against a nuclear strike on the United States.
To make matters worse, a team of highly trained mercenaries, led by the charming yet sinister Kessel (Luke Bracey), seizes control of her platform. Their goal: disable the interceptors and allow a rogue Russian missile to hit its target. The film then becomes a tense, single-location thriller where Collins must use her wits, training, and sheer will to take down 16 enemies, one by one.
It’s Die Hard on a missile platform, and the team behind Interceptor (film) makes no apologies for it.
The Good: Lean, Mean, and Elsa Pataky
- Elsa Pataky Commands the Screen: Let’s be clear: Elsa Pataky is the reason to watch Interceptor (film). She brings a grounded physicality and weary resilience to the role of JJ Collins. You believe she’s a soldier who has been through the wringer, and her performance elevates the material. She’s a compelling, old-school action hero who relies on brains and brawn in equal measure.
- A Fun, Over-the-Top Villain: Luke Bracey seems to be having the time of his life as Kessel. He’s a megalomaniacal former intelligence officer with a personal vendetta and a penchant for long, philosophical monologues. He’s cartoonish, yes, but in a film like Interceptor (film), a memorable villain is half the battle, and Bracey chews the scenery with gusto.
- Efficient, No-Frills Action: The action in Interceptor (film) is straightforward, brutal, and frequent. There are no shaky-cam tricks to hide the choreography. The fights are messy and visceral, selling the idea that Collins is truly in a desperate, non-stop battle for survival.
The Not-So-Good: Embracing the Cliché
- A Script Full of Conveniences: The plot of Interceptor (film) relies heavily on coincidences and moments where characters make bafflingly stupid decisions to move the story forward. The dialogue, particularly Kessel’s long-winded speeches about the “greatest terrorist tool ever invented,” can venture into the realm of the ridiculous.
- Logic Takes a Backseat: This isn’t a film for overthinkers. From the specifics of the terrorists’ plan to the structural integrity of the platform, you’ll need to suspend a significant amount of disbelief while watching Interceptor (film). The film operates on action-movie logic, where the rule of cool often trumps common sense.
- Familiarity Breeds… Familiarity: If you’ve seen Die Hard, Under Siege, or any other “one-against-many” thriller, you’ll see every story beat in Interceptor (film) coming from a mile away. The arc of the hero, the betrayals, and the final showdown are all painted with very broad, familiar strokes.
The Verdict: A Perfect “Switch-Off-Your-Brain” Watch
So, where does that leave us with Interceptor (film)? It is not a film that will be winning any Oscars, and it likely won’t be remembered as a genre classic. But that doesn’t mean it’s without merit.
Watch Interceptor (film) if:
- You’re craving a simple, action-packed movie that doesn’t require deep thought.
- You’re a fan of the “one hero in a confined space” subgenre.
- You want to see Elsa Pataky get a well-deserved chance to lead a film and kick some serious butt.
- You need something entertaining to put on in the background on a Friday night.
Skip Interceptor (film) if:
- You’re looking for nuanced characters, airtight plotting, or groundbreaking action choreography.
- You have a low tolerance for cheesy dialogue and plot holes.
In the end, Interceptor (film) is exactly what it sets out to be: a loud, proud, and unpretentious B-movie. It’s a throwback to the direct-to-video actioners of the 90s, now given a global platform on Netflix. It’s flawed, it’s silly, but when it hits its stride, it’s a thoroughly entertaining ride.
Final Score: 6/10 – A flawed but fun burst of action escapism.
Have you seen Interceptor (film)? Did you love its throwback vibe or were you frustrated by its clichés? Let us know in the comments below!
