HIJACK (2023) SERIES (S1) REVIEW

 

Apple TV's newest thriller, "Hijack," takes off with a promising premise and the magnetic presence of Idris Elba, but it hits a few turbulence patches along the way, leaving viewers wondering if it's a smooth ride or a bumpy landing. 

Idris Elba, known for his captivating roles in "The Wire" and "Luther," commands the screen as Sam Nelson, a corporate negotiator caught in the crosshairs of chaos when Flight KA29 gets hijacked mid-air. With his trademark charisma, Elba effortlessly steers the narrative, proving he could easily pilot an action-packed show like "24" or soar into a "John Wick"-esque franchise. But as we buckle up for the ride, we can't help but feel that Elba's star power sometimes overshadows the rest of the ensemble, leaving us wishing for more balance at cruising altitude.

Written by George Kay and directed by Jim Field Smith, "Hijack" kicks off with the tension soaring as passengers board the Dubai to London flight, setting the stage for a nail-biting showdown. However, as the hijackers take control, the plot occasionally veers off course, leaving viewers feeling more like lost passengers than engaged thrill-seekers. While Neil Maskell delivers a solid performance as the stoic leader of the hijackers, the narrative's delay in revealing their intentions feels more like a tedious layover than an exhilarating twist.

Despite its occasional detours, "Hijack" does have its moments of excitement, particularly when it's Elba vs. Maskell in a high-stakes game of negotiation. As Sam and air traffic controller Alice Sinclair, played by the formidable Eve Myles, work to defuse the situation from the ground, the tension reaches new heights, showcasing Elba's range as more than just an action hero.

However, just when we think we're cruising towards a satisfying conclusion, "Hijack" hits some turbulence with unnecessary subplots that clutter the narrative airspace. While the political debates add a layer of realism, they detract from the nail-biting suspense aboard the hijacked plane, leaving viewers feeling grounded instead of on edge.

Despite its flaws, "Hijack" manages to stick the landing with an impressive final chapter, allowing Elba to showcase his negotiation skills in a gripping showdown. Yet, even in its climactic moments, the narrative stretches a bit too thin, testing the limits of believability.

In the end, "Hijack" is a thrilling ride that showcases Elba's talents but occasionally loses its way in the clouds of unnecessary subplots. While it may not reach the heights of its potential, it's still worth boarding for fans of tense, real-time thrillers. Just be prepared for a few unexpected layovers along the way.