The Mark Wahlberg thriller Flight Risk is gaining new popularity online, despite receiving negative reviews and underperforming in theaters. After a disappointing box office showing, the film has climbed to the number two spot on Starz’s streaming platform, highlighting a surprising reversal in audience reception for this Lionsgate release.
Directed by Mel Gibson and featuring a notable ensemble, Flight Risk stars Wahlberg as a mentally unstable pilot, Michelle Dockery as a determined Air Marshal named Harris, and Topher Grace as a fugitive on the run. When the film premiered, it struggled financially with worldwide ticket sales barely surpassing $42 million and critics giving it a low 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many considered it a misfire, but streaming audiences have revived interest now that it’s more accessible.
Box Office Failure Leads to Streaming Popularity
Despite its tight script by Jared Rosenberg and direction by Mel Gibson, Flight Risk failed to impress audiences during its theatrical release. Initial projections were not met, causing many to write off this mid-budget thriller. However, since arriving on Starz, word has spread about its heightened tension, unexpected plot twists, and the strong, if not always consistent, performances by its cast. This resurgence suggests that viewers are finding something compelling about the film when watching at home.
Critical Reactions Remain Mixed
The film aims to be a claustrophobic, high-altitude thriller, with Wahlberg embracing an unpredictable villainous role as Daryl Booth and Michelle Dockery providing a steady anchor as Harris. Although Mel Gibson’s direction crafts a tense atmosphere and the narrative draws comparisons to films like Con Air, critics remained unimpressed. Jeff Ewing from Collider commented,
“Some performances are far better than others, and they aren’t all consistently memorable or engaging enough to carry the film over the finish line.”
—Jeff Ewing, Collider
Ewing further observed that the tight, enclosed environment challenged the cast, highlighting weaknesses in what he described as a plot that sometimes felt repetitive, underdeveloped, or lacking logical cohesion. Nevertheless, many streaming viewers appear willing to overlook such shortcomings in search of suspenseful entertainment.
Plot Overview and Setting
The story follows Wahlberg’s character, Daryl Booth, a troubled bush pilot hired to transport a federal prisoner—played by Topher Grace—across the isolated landscapes of Alaska. Michelle Dockery’s Harris oversees the operation as Air Marshal, but as the journey progresses, the passengers’ true intentions and hidden motives begin to surface. This intense setup, reminiscent of classic thrillers, delivers a narrative focused on psychological games and shifting alliances during a tense, airborne journey.
Main Cast Members
Mark Wahlberg leads as Daryl Booth, whose unpredictable behavior fuels the suspense, while Michelle Dockery’s portrayal of Harris brings resilience and authority. Topher Grace rounds out the leading trio as the anxious fugitive, adding to the tense dynamic aboard the small plane.
Flight Risk is currently available for streaming on Starz, proving that films can find renewed appreciation beyond traditional theatrical releases. As audiences continue to engage with the Mark Wahlberg thriller Flight Risk streaming success story, industry observers will be watching to see if this trend continues or sparks renewed interest in other overlooked cinema.
