Shelter – Film Review

Director – Ric Roman Waugh
Writer – Ward Parry
Stars – Jason Statham, Harriet Walter, Bill Nighy

Almost five years on from the filming of the “Enchanted” sequel in Enniskerry, the latest Jason Statham action flick sees production crews return to the picturesque Wicklow town for large chunks of this brutal story. Shelter follows Michael Mason (Statham), a loner living in a lighthouse in near-complete solitude, who is forced to care for a young girl, Jesse (Rae Breathnach), as remnants of his past and corrupt governmental organisations spearheaded by MI6 leader (Nighy), seek to hunt him down.

This Statham-produced film is helmed by Ric Roman Waugh; his experience on the “Has Fallen” franchise is on display here. This story follows similar thematic and structural beats: the lone wolf soldier against the world, politics in the background, and violent, physical action in the foreground. Whilst ‘Shelter’ is certainly slow to start, the knowledge of the star and the genre makes every moment in the opening act an edge-of-your-seat nail-biter. The threat of oncoming action and thrills builds excellently until the first blood is shed, and then the film holds no punches throughout the remainder of its run time. The action was shot very jankily, although not off-puttingly so; the quick shaking movements of the camera helped reiterate the frantic nature of the scene, where overly steady and clean cinematography may have tampered with the authenticity of the fights. Statham, being such an experienced action star, has engaged with almost every combat style imaginable, which is why ‘Shelter’ and its combinations of different weapons and styles, ranging from typical gunfights to the resourceful use of their surroundings, make the action here varied and compelling throughout. Although there are moments where the dim lighting makes some beats difficult to see, the particularly well-done sound design made each gruelling strike clear and notable.

Jason Statham here is more stoic and less quippy than most of his prior performances of note, like those in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. Although his stellar wit shines through at moments, we are graced with a different type of Statham, one where his stern nature is more upheld, only being weakened through his paternalistic side, which is developed throughout the film. His dynamic with newcomer Bodhi Rae Breathnach, on which the emotional crux of the story lies, is the undoubted highlight of the film. The young Irish actress shines here, excelling during the quiet emotional moments, the subtleties of her expressions delivering a real punch. Rae Breathnach, having starred alongside Irish giants like Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley in ‘Hamnet’, and having joined the cast of Daisy Edgar-Jones’ ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and Robert Eggers’ ‘Werewulf’, her breakout year is underway, and what promises to be a thrilling start to her young career.

The supporting cast, whilst not having too much to work with, shine in their small moments, exuding their charisma effortlessly, particularly Bill Nighy, who is always a pleasure to see on screen.

‘Shelter’ is a stellar addition to Jason Statham’s action catalogue, and fans of the genre and his previous work certainly won’t want to give this newest instalment a miss.