For a perfect night in, few things beat a gripping, high-stakes blockbuster. Tonight, Film 4 delivers exactly that with the broadcast of the acclaimed action thriller 'Plane' at 9pm on Sunday, 21 December. Starring Scottish Hollywood star Gerard Butler, the film has been praised by fans as a near-perfect thrill ride that surpasses many bigger-budget offerings.
A Turbulent Flight and an Unlikely Alliance
The plot centres on Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler), a former RAF pilot now commanding a commercial flight from Singapore to Honolulu. His routine journey turns into a nightmare when severe lightning strikes, forcing an emergency landing on a remote, war-torn island in the southern Philippines. The situation is complicated by the presence of a passenger, Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), a murder suspect being extradited under police guard.
After the disaster kills a police officer and a flight attendant, Captain Torrance must form an uneasy alliance with Gaspare. Together, they fight to protect the remaining passengers from hostile rebel forces who control the island, turning a survival scenario into a relentless battle.
Behind the Scenes: Butler's Fight for a Key Scene
Gerard Butler revealed a behind-the-scenes struggle to keep a pivotal moment in the film. In the scene, Torrance witnesses hostages being mistreated but is physically restrained from intervening by the larger, more cautious Gaspare. Butler told Radio Times that the studio initially argued the hero couldn't just watch, but the actor insisted on the more realistic tension.
"I had a big fight for that scene," Butler admitted, though he joked about the physical toll of filming it with his powerful co-star: "He kept climbing on top of me and then I'm like, 'This was not really the brightest idea.'" The scene ultimately stayed, adding a layer of gritty realism to the dynamic between the two leads.
Box Office Success and Rave Fan Reviews
Directed by Jean-Francois Richet and released in 2023, 'Plane' was both a critical and commercial success. It earned a robust $74.5 million worldwide against a production budget of $25 million. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a strong 78% audience score, with fans effusive in their praise.
One viewer called it "a perfect thriller in all aspects," adding there wasn't "one boring minute." Another declared it so gripping it "puts many blockbusters in its pocket," while a third simply advised audiences to "strap in, fasten your safety belt... and hang on for dear life." The consensus is clear: this is a tightly wound, expertly paced action film that delivers relentless entertainment.
With its compelling premise, strong performances, and proven appeal, 'Plane' is set to be the ultimate Sunday night viewing for anyone seeking an adrenaline-fuelled escape.
