Retribution
Performance & Direction: Retribution Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Retribution (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Retribution features a noteworthy lineup led by Liam Neeson . Supported by the likes of Lilly Aspell and Jack Champion , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Retribution
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2023, Retribution is a Thriller, Action, Adventure film directed by Nimród Antal. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Liam Neeson.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. When a mysterious caller plants a bomb under his car seat, a bank executive begins a high-speed chase across the city to complete a specific series of tasks — all with his kids trapped in the back seat. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside Liam Neeson. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Liam Neeson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Retribution
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Nimród Antal, Retribution concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Liam Neeson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Retribution reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Retribution?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Liam Neeson or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: Retribution
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.7M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Retribution Budget
The estimated production budget for Retribution is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Retribution
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Where to Watch Retribution Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeRetribution Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about Retribution age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Retribution is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, Retribution is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Retribution worth watching?
Retribution is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Retribution parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Retribution identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Retribution?
The total duration of Retribution is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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Critic Reviews for Retribution
"Matt" (Liam Neeson) is the high flying hedge fund partner who is taking his kids to school one morning when he gets a strange phone call from a strange phone. The voice at the end of the call warns him that he is sitting atop a weight-controlled bomb and that his family are in great danger should he not do as he is told. Just to reiterate that threat, he is to rendezvous with his colleague "Sylvain" (Arian Moayed) who is soon no long a concern! To add to the poor man's woes, when he tries to contact his wife he discovers that she is off meeting a lawyer! Can he salvage anything from this perilous, meticulously planned, scenario before they are all chum? For a while, here, Nimród Antal sustains a degree of menace as the mystery unfolds, but sadly - once it does, it's pretty obvious whom the protagonist actually is and the proceeding car chases make the art of simple urban road-blocking by the German police look just a little amateurish! The last twenty minutes are especially disappointing with a denouement that's not short on pyrotechnics but is short on just about everything else. It's a very derivative television movie that if you enjoy the genre, you probably won't hate - the pace sees to that. You won't remember it for long afterwards, though.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
