Is Retribution Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Retribution is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Retribution Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, Retribution emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Action, Adventure domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Retribution attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Retribution (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Retribution Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Retribution is a Thriller, Action, Adventure film that 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 and narrative structure.
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 the protagonist. 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. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Retribution Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 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, 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 the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Retribution Box Office Collection
| 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Retribution
- Liam Neeson – Matt Turner
- Lilly Aspell – Emily Turner
- Jack Champion – Zach Turner
- Matthew Modine – Anders Muller
- Noma Dumezweni – Angela Brickmann
Top Highlights
Liam NeesonMatt Turner
Lilly AspellEmily Turner
Jack ChampionZach Turner
Matthew ModineAnders Muller
Noma DumezweniAngela Brickmann
Embeth DavidtzHeather Turner
Arian MoayedSylvain
Emily KuscheMila
Luca MárkusKat
Bernhard PieskCaptain Dregger
Where to Watch Retribution Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Retribution is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.6/10, and global collection metrics, Retribution stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Retribution movie hit or flop?
Retribution has received mixed reviews with a 6.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Retribution worth watching?
Retribution is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Action, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Retribution online?
Retribution may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Retribution
How Retribution Compares & Where it Ranks
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 analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
