The Contractor (2022)
The Contractor is a gripping action-thriller directed by Tarik Saleh, starring Chris Pine in a role that blends high-octane action with deep personal stakes. The film follows James Harper (Chris Pine), a former Green Beret who, after being dishonorably discharged from the military, struggles to reintegrate into civilian life. Faced with financial hardship and a broken career, Harper takes up an offer to work as a private contractor for a shadowy military organization.
When a covert mission goes awry, Harper finds himself deep in hostile territory, pursued by both his enemies and his own former colleagues. As he tries to escape, he must navigate a complex web of deception, betrayal, and survival, all while being forced to question who he can trust and what he’s really fighting for.
The film delves into themes of loyalty, morality, and the personal cost of war, exploring how a man pushed to the edge fights to protect what remains of his life and his family.
The action is brutal and intense, with Harper engaging in hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and daring escapes as he tries to survive long enough to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy he’s become embroiled in. As the story unfolds, The Contractor reveals layers of personal betrayal and conspiracy that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Chris Pine delivers a solid performance as Harper, blending his character’s vulnerability with fierce determination. The film’s pacing is sharp, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, more introspective scenes where Harper wrestles with his moral compass. The film’s tone is somber, as it examines the impact of war on the individual, with Harper’s personal journey mirroring his larger struggle against corrupt forces in a dark, morally complex world.
With strong supporting performances from Kiefer Sutherland, Ben Foster, and others, The Contractor is a tense, fast-paced film that takes the audience on a high-stakes ride, all while offering a nuanced look at the psychological and emotional toll of living in the shadow of warfare. Fans of action thrillers with a personal touch and a reflective, character-driven story will find much to appreciate in The Contractor.