A gripping crime thriller hailed by its fans as a cinematic masterpiece, which some believe was unfairly overlooked upon its initial release, is currently available to stream for free in the UK.
A Cult Classic Finds New Audience
The film in question is 2009's 'Law Abiding Citizen', directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx. Originally hitting cinemas over a decade ago, the film proved a solid commercial success, earning approximately $128 million globally against a production budget of $53 million.
Despite this box office performance, a dedicated fanbase argues it has never received the critical acclaim or lasting recognition afforded to other genre classics. The screenplay was written by Kurt Wimmer, the scribe behind films like 'The Beekeeper' and remakes of 'Point Break' and 'Total Recall'.
Plot of Vengeance and Systemic Corruption
The story centres on Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), a former CIA engineer whose life is shattered when his family is murdered during a brutal home invasion. The tragedy is compounded by a prosecutorial plea deal, facilitated by Assistant District Attorney Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), which allows one of the killers to walk free.
Shelton's quest for justice transforms into a sophisticated and brutal campaign. He targets not only the killers but the entire legal system he views as corrupt. This sets up a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with Rice, who must stop Shelton's orchestrated reign of terror.
Free Streaming Opportunity for UK Viewers
For a limited time, this tense thriller is available to watch at no extra cost. 'Law Abiding Citizen' is streaming for free on ITVX and is not currently available on other major UK streaming platforms, making this a timely opportunity for both first-time viewers and those wishing for a revisit.
While original critical reviews were mixed—one notably comparing it to "'Saw' but with Gerard Butler as Jigsaw"—audience appreciation has grown significantly over time. On social media and forums, fans passionately defend the film's status.
One supporter stated, "Whereas David Fincher's 'Se7en' received accolades, this masterpiece went unnoticed. It is a solid revenge-based thriller, with tense drama and terrific performances." Another simply declared, "'Law Abiding Citizen' is a top 10 movie of all time," with many praising Butler's performance as Oscar-worthy.
The consensus among its advocates is clear: 'Law Abiding Citizen' is an underrated gem of the revenge thriller genre. With its current availability on ITVX, a new wave of viewers can judge this cult favourite for themselves.
