Shelter

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Expectation: 😎

Reality: 😎

(Check out my star rating rubric)

Shelter synopsis: On a remote coastal island, a reclusive man (Jason Statham) rescues a young girl (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) from a deadly storm, drawing them both into danger. Forced out of isolation, he must confront his turbulent past while protecting her, sending them on a tense journey of survival and redemption.

Light spoilers ahead!

Now look, I’m not going to pretend I haven’t seen some version of this film 100 times. IMO, if you’ve seen one ex-agent of a secret of a secret government organization that is no longer sanctioned by the government on the run from said organization films, you’ve seen them all, but I am going to watch and stay engaged and entertained every 👏🏽 single 👏🏽 time 👏🏽.

Shelter is slow to start, but that’s intentional to set up the quiet life Statham’s character has created for himself. Enter this kid, and things pick up a bit. Go on the run with the kid, and things pick up a lot.

Jason Statham is consistent—he plays a great spy, we already know this. He’s always enjoyable to watch.

Bodhi Rae Breathnach is great, and a welcome twist to a story like this. I’ve seen a lot of ex-agent on the run alone, on the run with a love interest, but not often on the run with a child. This dynamic upped the stakes, gave the film heart, and a bit of comic relief.

One of my film writing professors once said, “Every story has already been told. Your job is to find a new way to tell it.” The writers of Shelter did find a new way to tell it!

The film feels fresh and exciting. It kept me engaged the entire time. Even though I was pretty sure about how it would end, I still wanted to see it play out. I was invested in the characters and the story and enjoyed watching things unravel.

If you see it — come back and let me know on my contact page. I’d love to hear your thoughts!