Cillian Murphy, known for his magnetic screen presence and recent Academy Award win, has brought fresh attention to the psychological thriller Red Lights, now streaming on Prime Video. Released in 2012 and featuring a remarkable cast that includes Robert De Niro and Elizabeth Olsen, the film has resurfaced more than a decade after its initial run, inviting both long-time fans and new audiences to reconsider its place in the thriller genre. The key question now facing viewers is whether Cillian Murphy’s performance in Red Lights delivers enough intrigue and suspense to merit your time.
Having built a reputation for intense and multifaceted roles across nearly three decades, Cillian Murphy approached Red Lights already established as a serious contender in both independent cinema and blockbuster franchises. The film originally received a limited release and mixed reviews, but its addition to Prime Video has given it a new opportunity to reach viewers. Despite a low 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a muted reception during its first release, the film’s high-profile cast and thought-provoking themes offer compelling reasons for renewed interest.
Red Lights was written and directed by Spanish filmmaker Rodrigo Cortés and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2012. The story centers on psychologists Margaret Matheson, played by Sigourney Weaver, and her assistant Tom Buckley, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, as they investigate—and often seek to debunk—claims of paranormal phenomena. Their quest draws them into a confrontation with Simon Silver, a renowned psychic played by Robert De Niro. The plot intensifies as Murphy’s character becomes increasingly invested in exposing Silver, while still grappling with his own doubts about the unknown.
Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Barcelona, Spain, and Toronto, Canada, Red Lights unfolds in a taut 114 minutes, navigating a tightly woven narrative of skepticism, faith, and deception. The movie’s premise leverages the talents of its ensemble, with Elizabeth Olsen joining as Sally Owen, a bright student aiding the investigations. Through a combination of psychological tension and supernatural mystery, the film strives to challenge traditional expectations of the genre, offering a cerebral approach punctuated by moments of genuine suspense.
Despite its shortcomings, such as a denouement that some viewers may find rushed, Red Lights stands out for its layered performances. Cillian Murphy brings depth and a simmering intensity to his role, maintaining suspense from the film’s opening scenes to its conclusion.
one reviewer noted, highlighting how his approach fostered a mysterious, emotionally charged undertone. His dynamic with Sigourney Weaver’s assertive psychologist and De Niro’s enigmatic psychic creates sequences filled with tension, skepticism, and dramatic uncertainty.
The supporting cast enriches the film’s narrative complexity. Joely Richardson appears as Monica Handsen, Toby Jones portrays Dr. Paul Shackleton, and Burn Gorman, known for his roles in acclaimed series, takes on the part of Benedict Cosell. Leonardo Sbaraglia’s performance as Leonardo “Leo” Palladino adds further international flair, contributing to the story’s unpredictable developments and the ongoing battle between scientific rationalism and the unexplained.
While Red Lights was not universally praised upon release, it possesses several redeeming qualities that may appeal to fans of cerebral thrillers and psychological horror. The film’s screenplay, co-produced by director Rodrigo Cortés and Adrian Guerra, balances scientific skepticism with emotional undertones, inviting audiences to question the limits of belief and perception. The measured buildup of suspense is contrasted by moments where the narrative pace quickens, echoing trends in contemporary horror, yet providing distinct character-driven drama enhanced by Cillian Murphy’s performance.
For viewers seeking a fresh take on the supernatural-thriller formula, with tension rooted in character psychology rather than jump scares alone, Cillian Murphy in Red Lights may well prove fascinating. Although the film contains sequences some consider flawed, it resists being predictable, offering variety in both storyline and execution. Even those initially put off by earlier reviews may find much to appreciate in the chemistry between Murphy and De Niro, along with the commitment of the ensemble cast.
Now that Red Lights is available to stream in the United States on Prime Video, it presents a timely opportunity for high school-level viewers and aficionados of Murphy’s work to discover—or reevaluate—a film that defies genre conventions. Its arrival on streaming platforms ensures broader access, prompting renewed conversations about its themes and performances. As audiences seek content that blends psychological tension with supernatural intrigue, Cillian Murphy’s portrayal ensures that Red Lights remains memorable, encouraging both first-time and returning viewers to rethink its place within modern thriller cinema. Looking ahead, the film’s reemergence could inspire further interest in overlooked projects and spark discussions about the enduring impact of dedicated performances in genre films.
