SPOILER-FREE PLOT SUMMARY
Thought by his government to have been killed in action 10 years ago, former Royal Marine Michael Mason (played by Jason Statham) is hiding out with his dog Jack in the Scottish Isles. A young girl named Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) frequently braves the rough seas with her uncle so they can deliver him food and basic supplies. When a storm rolls in earlier than expected, the boat capsizes, putting the two in the water. Jessie gets tangled in the netting and is about to drown when the normally reclusive Mason sets out to rescue her, taking her in and nursing her injuries. Scared, Jessie is constantly on guard — and in mourning — but Mason insists on extending a helping hand until she’s healed. Knowing her infection needs more than he can provide, Mason travels to a nearby town to pick up specific supplies. Some cameras pick up Mason’s likeness and this sets into motion a covert strike by MI6. With their position compromised, Mason and Jessie flee the island with the help of the few people he still trusts in an effort to keep her safe.
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
It’s January so it must be time for another Jason Statham movie. And it is! SHELTER stands out, however, thanks an interesting-enough story and a phenomonal performance by Breathnach.
The 14-year old Irish actress was excellent in her limited time in HAMNET but her on-screen sibling Jacobi Jupe overshadowed her (and everyone else not named Jessie Buckley). Here, she shines so much that she carries the movie. Not in the traditional sense — Statham’s character is still the lead — but without her emotional brilliance, SHELTER is just a run-of-the-mill action flick.
Statham is Statham and good for him for carving out a niche. A lot of Hollywood action stars have a pretty tight window of about five years or so to build a career. The 58-year old Shirebrook, England native has over two decades of a quality resume and is still going. Sure, they’re not award-winning projects but he’s fully comfortable in his lane and SHELTER is the latest on that list.
If you love a good turn-your-brain-off action movie, this is a good time at the theater. But, when you throw Breathnach’s charisma, depth and connection into the mix, SHELTER gets elevated into a “must-see.” Casting director Dixie Chassay discovering Breathnach this young must feel similar to when Ellen Chenoweth discovered Hailee Steinfeld for the 2010 version of TRUE GRIT.
JKG SCORE: 6.5
Untitled Film Project 