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Movie regulars are well equipped with the knowledge of predictability. It becomes easy to tell whether or not the film will be good from the get go. So many actors have recently been starring in the same types of films as well. It has been a long three years witnessing Mister Jason Statham star in action film after action film to no prevail. Whether the actor has been type cast as the strong soldier or he just enjoys these roles, it is hard to tell. One thing, however, is clear, the past three years of his films have not provided him with enough to work with.
Thank goodness his most recent film becomes a surprise for the audience. With director Ric Roman Waugh, Shelter exceeds expectations — be it in mind, the expectations were minimal. The genre has become somewhat overused, thus resulting in it being easier to expect nothing. Yet, Shelter is enjoyable. Partnered with new-comer Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Statham is given the chance to use more than just body strength.
Jason Statham’s Shelter Review
As an assassin, Mason (Statham) lives in an exile of his own volition on a remote costal island. During one stormy day he chooses to rescue a young girl (Breathnach) from drowning in the sea. To help the girl, he can no longer hide from the world. An unwilling chain of reactions is set off bringing violence their way, and while protecting the girl he must confront his past.
One does have to admit that the opening of the film does hook the viewer. Combined with the sound design, Waugh is able to set the scene. As the audience is introduced to Mason, questions begin to come up. You cannot help but wonder what he has done to need to hide on the island, and what the relationship is with the girl. Rare is it to see Statham work with another actor who is not another strong man. Using Breathnach creates a different atmosphere for the film which can be felt right from the beginning. There is something different there that one would not have originally expected.
With some pleasant surprises hidden in Shelter, of course it is not perfect. Thankfully this does not ruin the majority of the film. The fighting sequences are clearly well performed and impressively realistic, to no surprise, Statham knows what he is doing. Even little Breathnach shows off some skills. The action scenes are pretty good, particularly in their grounded, believable execution. Yet, the predictability comes to play. Put up a single killer assassin against any army and you know who wins. 20 vs one and the single wins. But the fights are better when we are given one-to-one, where the realism truly shines. The genre will never escape its typicalities, but perhaps that is what makes them films we continue to watch.
The audience is given a great partnership to watch with Statham and Breathnach. However, on the sidelines Waugh gives audiences the talent and ominousness of Bill Nighy and star power of Naomi Ackie. Throwing in a veteran actor as a role he can fit into, and then a powerful female in charge, gives the supporting roles strength. A strong ensemble also changes the way in which an action movie delivers itself to the audience. If Shelter only had Statham as its big name, there would be less to work with. But in fact, Shelter has a strong cast behind it who work with the script to provide the best they can.
By the end, Shelter drags out a bit too long. But it still manages to provide the good action moments you would expect and look for. A bring your dad to the movies movie no doubt. Thankfully this time, however, Statham’s archetypal role and characteristics have changed. From a slightly different type of performance and a new face in Breathnach, Shelter is recycled but new. Releasing in cinemas Friday January 30th, take your dad to the movies, or make him take you.
Grade: C
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Shelter
Mason lives in recluse at a remote setting by the sea. When he chooses to rescue a young girl from drowning in a terrible storm, he unwittingly sets off a chain reaction that soon brings violence his way, forcing him to confront choices from his past.
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Cast: Jason Statham , Bodhi Rae Breathnach , Bill Nighy
