Unsurprisingly, one of Craven's lesser known features. Mostly due to its non-horror nature, with a severe lack of masked murderers and nightmarish masters. But that doesn't necessarily mean this thrilling flight should be dismissed, as its simplistic disposable nature provides some quality mid-air entertainment. A hotel manager, travelling on the red-eye flight to Miami, is tangled up in an assassination plot regarding one of her clients.
The plot is relatively straightforward, and severely undercooked to the point that its only purpose is to serve these two beautiful passengers a topic to discuss during their flight. The assassination attempt on Charles Keefe certainly holds no tension or substance. What this strand does provide though, is a more personal circumstance that gradually ramps up the thrills.
The gorgeously intelligent McAdams against the irrefutably handsome Murphy. A game of wits and beauty. Sleight of hand distractions to waste time and constructive messages sent to signal for help. Alas, her non-compliance may result in her father being assassinated also, which just made the situation extremely personal. This ultimatum, although tepid in ferocity due to the short runtime that meant Craven had to constantly prevent the story from stalling, certainly showcased some brilliant claustrophobic performances from the two leads. With McAdams breaking the "damsel in distress" archetype and Murphy harnessing his antagonistic intensity.
The flight itself was occasionally bumpy due to a turbulent script and the 90s aesthetic, but when that plane lands. Ooof! Go go go! We're firing all cylinders. This just went from 'Flight Simulator 98' to 'Top Gun' on amphetamines. McAdams is fleeing to save her father, Murphy is doing his best Gollum impression and Craven just keeps moving forward. No time for a Starbuck's at the airport. Drive down that freeway like a maniac and save the hotel! Oh, and the father. Sweet lord do I miss these brisk thrillers! Even Beltrami's notable score wafts the aroma of restlessness around the cabin.
Red Eye is apparently described to be psychological in nature. It's not. In the slightest. What it is though is a straight-forward disposable thriller that is here for a good time, not a long time. Plausible characters, claustrophobic environment and an intense third act results in a criminally overlooked film from Craven's catalogue.
