Is The Contractor Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Contractor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Contractor Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2022, The Contractor emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After being involuntarily discharged from the U. Unlike standard genre fare, The Contractor attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Contractor features a noteworthy lineup led by Chris Pine . Supported by the likes of Kiefer Sutherland and Ben Foster , 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 The Contractor (2022) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Contractor Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Contractor is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. After being involuntarily discharged from the U.S. Special Forces, James Harper decides to support his family by joining a private contracting organization alongside his best friend and under the command of a fellow veteran. Overseas on a covert mission, Harper must evade those trying to kill him while making his way back home. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- 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: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
The Contractor Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Contractor concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action 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 action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Contractor reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Contractor?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
The Contractor Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $2.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Contractor
- Chris Pine – James
- Kiefer Sutherland – Rusty
- Ben Foster – Mike
- Gillian Jacobs – Brianne
- Sander Thomas – Jack
Top Highlights
Chris PineJames
Kiefer SutherlandRusty
Ben FosterMike
Gillian JacobsBrianne
Sander ThomasJack
Toby DixonYoung James
Dean AshtonJames' Father
Dustin LewisPastor
Regina Ting ChenArmy Doctor
Brian LafontaineCaptain
Where to Watch The Contractor Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Contractor 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 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Contractor stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2022 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Contractor movie hit or flop?
The Contractor has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Contractor worth watching?
The Contractor is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Contractor online?
The Contractor is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel depending on your region.
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How The Contractor Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Contractor
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/the-contractor-spoiler-free-review "The Contractor is one more generic action flick with a story borrowed directly from the formulaic Hollywood closet, without any surprises or even high entertainment levels. Chris Pine is the mandatory "famous face" chosen to (try to) elevate a plot seen countless times before, and with Ben Foster's friendly shoulder, they actually manage to carry Tarek Saleh's film for a good chunk of the runtime. However, even with a couple of captivating action sequences and occasional eyebrow-raising moments, this movie can't free itself from the imagination-inhibiting shackles. Inevitably, it will end up falling into the hole of oblivion as soon as the viewers leave the theater." Rating: C-
Okay as a time-waster and perfectly watchable as Chris Pine, as always, makes for a great lead, but the story is really predictable and the finale, which I think only was 10-minutes, felt really rushed and unsatisfying. It's a mix of Jack Ryan, Bourne Identity and Shooter. Fine as a rental, not sure I'd revisit anytime soon. **3.0/5**
Well, I suppose even Chris Pine has bills - and this rather lacklustre effort must have been his accountant's suggestion of best ways to pay. Here, he plays the down on his luck "Harper" - a former American Special Forces operative - who joins up with some former colleagues on an highly paid mission in Germany under the aegis of Kiefer Sutherland ("Rusty"). Of course it all goes wrong and we now have to endure the usual run-of-the-mill cat and mouse antics as he tries to get home safely and deal with his betrayer. It's not that it's a shocker, this - it's just that it is all so join-the-dots. It is in no way original; the plot is terribly predictable with the baddie's identity written pretty large right from the start and though entertaining enough, all the action scenes have such a disappointing inevitability about them. It takes quite a while to build up a head of steam, which doesn't really help it either as the whole thing could easily condense down into a decent fifty minute action thriller. It's a competent made for telly movie that I doubt even it's writers can remember now.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
