For enthusiasts of Jason Statham, the latest thriller Shelter is packed from start to finish with the signature moments that have made him a beloved action star, likely satisfying cravings since his roles in A Working Man and The Beekeeper.
Stoic Performance and Intense Action
Statham delivers a characteristically stoic performance in Shelter, so much so that his dialogue can be hard to decipher as his mouth barely moves, adding to his enigmatic presence. The film features intense hand-to-hand combat scenes where he improvises weapons from everyday objects, leaving viewers to glance around their own homes and realise the potential lethality of common items.
Additionally, Statham showcases his flair for British fashion, donning striking Shetland knitted jumpers and thick London coats with collars turned up stylishly. While Statham himself may not show much emotion, the film evokes a strong response from audiences, blending favourite action tropes with unexpected layers of character development.
Plot and Character Dynamics
Set on a remote island in northern Scotland, the story follows Mason, played by Statham, who lives in isolation tending a lighthouse with his German shepherd. Supplies, mainly vodka and whisky for self-medication, are occasionally delivered by a fishing boat. During one visit, Jesse, the fisherman's niece portrayed by Bodhi Rae Breathnach, is orphaned and nearly drowned in a storm, forcing Mason to care for her.
As Mason nurses Jesse back to health, he gradually lowers his guard, reducing his alcohol intake and focusing on the fragile teenager. It is the bond Jesse forms with his dog that begins to thaw Mason's icy exterior, prompting him to risk a trip to the mainland for her medication.
Thrilling Escalation and Direction
Mason's presence is detected by an M16 camera, marking him as a terrorist and triggering a team of assassins sent to the island. With a dark past as a killer, Mason dispatches the hit squad and flees with Jesse. However, he is not the villain the spy agency believes, and his history intertwines with a rogue former M16 head, played by Bill Nighy, who sends an equally skilled assassin to eliminate them and cover up his own shady dealings.
While the plot of a hardened operative protecting a young girl is familiar in Statham's filmography, Ward Parry's screenplay introduces a fresh element: a slow, teasing reveal of character backstory that heightens intrigue. Director Ric Roman Waugh, a former stuntman, brings a confident, shaky-cam style that creates a claustrophobic, tense atmosphere, though it may not appeal to all, reminiscent of critic David Stratton's disdain for such techniques.
This filming approach ramps up the tension in the second half as Mason and Jesse are pursued, but it is established early on, even in quieter moments like Statham and his dog gazing from a lighthouse window. Waugh's stunt background shines through in elaborate driving scenes and visceral fist-fights, adding a real sense of flourish to the action sequences.
Overall, Shelter proves that the Statham formula remains effective, offering a mix of stoic heroics, thrilling combat, and nuanced storytelling that keeps fans engaged.
