Liam Neeson has earned remarkable acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes for his latest film, Cold Storage, which recently premiered in theaters. The movie centers around a parasitic fungus that escapes containment at a deserted military base, putting humanity at grave risk. Neeson plays a Pentagon bioterror operative tasked with stopping the outbreak, supported by Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell in key roles.
Critical and Audience Reception of Cold Storage
Before its release, Cold Storage was met with mostly positive reviews, as critics appreciated its quick pacing and effective mix of humor and horror. The film’s homage to classic creature features and the chemistry between Keery and Campbell were also highlighted. Neeson’s dry comedic timing stood out, contributing to the film’s Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 77% from 69 reviews.
Once in theaters, viewers largely agreed with critics, awarding the film an audience score of 78%. This rating ranks as Liam Neeson’s best audience approval since 2022, narrowly surpassing his previous high of 80% for the thriller Memory. Unlike Memory, which showed a sharp contrast between critics (29%) and audiences, Cold Storage saw much stronger alignment between the two groups.
The audience score for Cold Storage also edges out Neeson’s recent films In the Land of Saints and Sinners and The Naked Gun, which hold 74% and 72%, respectively. The Naked Gun marked Neeson’s portrayal of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s famed character, in the franchise’s fourth installment. That film earned moderate box office success with $102 million worldwide.
Overview of Liam Neeson’s Career and Recent Roles
After gaining recognition in dramatic roles during the 1980s and 1990s, including Schindler’s List and Under Suspicion, Liam Neeson became synonymous with action films thanks to his role in the Taken series. This shift saw him dominate the action genre for much of the 2000s and 2010s. Now in his early 70s, Neeson has expressed caution about future action roles. He admitted,
I don’t want to insult audiences if they’re watching whole fight scenes and it’s not me.
Liam Neeson
Cold Storage showcases Neeson’s ability to continue performing in action while exploring comedic elements, a trend that started with The Naked Gun. The actor will also appear in another 2026 release, the heist film 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, slated for April 17.
Box Office and Production Details of Cold Storage
Despite favorable reviews and audience reception, Cold Storage has grossed roughly $2 million worldwide so far. Its commercial performance is modest, but streaming platforms may offer a path to greater success if word of mouth grows. Directed by Jonny Campbell and written by David Koepp, who penned Jurassic Park, the film was produced by StudioCanal and Pariah.
The cast also features Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, and Lesley Manville. Notably, this film marks the first collaboration between Neeson and Redgrave, who is the mother of the late Natasha Richardson. Richardson, Neeson’s wife since 1994, passed away in 2009 after a skiing accident.
Key Performers Bringing Cold Storage to Life
Alongside Liam Neeson, Cold Storage stars Georgina Campbell as Naomi Williams and Joe Keery as Travis ‘Teacake’ Meacham, forming the core trio striving to contain the parasitic threat. Other supporting roles from Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, and Lesley Manville contribute to the film’s layered cast.
