Is The Liability Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Liability is likely a skip if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Liability Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, The Liability emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Comedy, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of When 19-year-old Adam agrees to do a day's driving for his mum's gangster boyfriend Peter, it takes him on a 24-hour journey into a nightmarish world of murder, sex trafficking and revenge, in the company of aging hit man Roy. Unlike standard genre fare, The Liability 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 The Liability features a noteworthy lineup led by Tim Roth . Supported by the likes of Jack O'Connell and Talulah Riley , 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 Liability (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Liability Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Liability is a Thriller, Comedy, Crime 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.
The Liability Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Liability attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 The Liability reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Liability Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Liability incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The Liability adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Liability?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of The Liability
- Tim Roth – Roy
- Jack O'Connell – Adam
- Talulah Riley – The Girl
- Kierston Wareing – Nicky
- Peter Mullan – Peter
Top Highlights
Tim RothRoy
Jack O'ConnellAdam
Talulah RileyThe Girl
Kierston WareingNicky
Peter MullanPeter
Christopher HatherallIvan
Tomi MayDanil
Clive ShawSniper
Where to Watch The Liability Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Starz Apple TV Channel
Starz Roku Premium Channel
Starz
Philo
Starz Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Liability is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Liability stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Liability movie hit or flop?
The Liability has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Liability worth watching?
The Liability is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Comedy, Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Liability online?
The Liability is currently available for streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel, Starz, Philo, Starz Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Liability
How The Liability Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Liability
> A day with a hitman! A typical British dark comedy-thriller. I said that because I loves movies like 'Wild Target', 'I Hired a Contract Killer' and now this one. It gives the pleasure to enjoy those running and chasing and mistakes, sometimes very edgy. This is the story that happens within the 24 hours of a 19 year old carefree Adam. When takes-up the driving job to a hitman, he goes all sorts of difficulties and overcoming it is the remaining narration. Recently, Jack O'Connell is soaring high with the movies like 'Starred Up', '71' and three Academy Award nominee 'Unbroken'. I would say this film is the turning point in his career. In the earlier films he was merely hanging around with his roles, but he showed lots of promise with this one. Now he's the Britain's latest young sensation and Hollywood is showing interest in him. It's just a matter of time to grab his own spot there. It is so sad that from the movie posters to promos are not enthralling and the online ratings for it is too low. But it was twice better than what do you see. Of course it was a slow start, but after the opening few minutes, it was completely a different movie and very entertaining. Obviously not a large budget movie, with a limited cast and a decent story, betters the quality that require to be a laudable product. 7/10
Good concept, half-baked execution. Tim Roth, Jack O'Connell and Talulah Riley give alright performances, though their characters aren't developed enough to care about nor to be entertained by. There's definitely a good story hidden, though I just didn't really find it interesting. The rushed ending doesn't help, either.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
