While Liam Neeson has become synonymous with his iconic Taken franchise, one of his most gripping thrillers has been quietly stealing the spotlight on Netflix UK. The Commuter, the 2018 action mystery that pairs Neeson with director Jaume Collet-Serra for their fourth collaboration, has become an unexpected streaming sensation.
The film places Neeson in the role of Michael MacCauley, a 60-year-old insurance salesman and former police officer whose mundane daily commute takes a terrifying turn. A mysterious stranger offers him a life-changing proposition: find one unidentified passenger on the train before it reaches its final stop, and receive £75,000 in cash.
Why This Underrated Thriller Deserves Your Attention
What begins as an intriguing moral dilemma quickly escalates into a heart-pounding race against time. As Michael navigates the claustrophobic confines of the speeding train, he realizes he's become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy that threatens innocent lives.
The film's strengths lie in its clever premise and relentless tension. Unlike Neeson's more overtly violent roles, The Commuter relies on psychological suspense and clever plot twists to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The confined setting of the train carriage creates an atmosphere of paranoia and claustrophobia that heightens every moment.
A Proven Director-Actor Partnership
Director Jaume Collet-Serra demonstrates why his partnership with Neeson has produced such compelling results across multiple films. Their collaboration began with Unknown in 2011, continued through Non-Stop in 2014, and most recently included Run All Night.
The supporting cast adds considerable depth to the thriller, featuring Vera Farmiga as the enigmatic stranger who sets the plot in motion, alongside Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks, and Sam Neill in key roles that keep audiences guessing until the final moments.
From Box Office to Streaming Success
While The Commuter performed respectably in cinemas during its 2018 release, its current popularity on Netflix UK demonstrates how streaming platforms can give films a second life. Viewers who may have missed it during its theatrical run are now discovering what makes this thriller so compelling.
The film's resurgence highlights an important trend: well-crafted action thrillers with strong central performances have enduring appeal, particularly when they offer more substance than typical genre fare.
For British audiences looking for an intelligent, suspenseful night in, The Commuter represents exactly the kind of quality entertainment that makes streaming services so valuable. It's proof that sometimes the best films aren't the biggest blockbusters, but the hidden gems that find their audience over time.
