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'Shelter' Review

  • Writer: Connor Petrey
    Connor Petrey
  • 18 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Release Date: 01/30/26 [Cinemas]

Genre: Action. Thriller.

MPAA: Rated R.

Distributor: Black Bear.

The Verdict: A Must-See


It’s not always a bad thing to play things by the books, and this classic escort mission delivers exactly what it needs to for an excellent theatrical experience. I’ve always said if you have Jason Statham, all he’ll need is a good scene partner and director and he has both for support in Shelter. 


The new Ric Roman Waugh directed film sees Statham as a recluse who receives weekly deliveries by a former buddy of his. This friend has his niece deliver the freight and come right back to the boat. Statham’s Mason keeps to himself and ignores their presence, residing alone with his nameless dog. 


That is until the delivery ship capsizes and he must rescue the young girl from certain death. This is where he officially meets Bodhi Rae Breathnach’s Jessica, as he reluctantly patches her up from her injuries. Here we see that Mason doesn’t want the burden of loving another creature, as can be seen in his lack of a name for his companion. 


Unfortunately as things start to move forward for Mason as he begins to open up. An alert happens and he is under attack with a little girl. His main priority is to keep safe from the chaos that has come down around him. 


It’s a tense, sometimes brutal film that isn’t afraid to pack a punch. It’s exquisitely filmed by Waugh and the action feels genuine throughout with deep impact. The narrative is well paced and makes good time as Mason seeks a way to cut off the head of the snake once and for all. 


Sure, it’s a concept we’ve seen time and time again but it all comes down to the execution. Waugh delivers a thrilling action film that truly showcases not only the brilliance of Statham as an action star, but his chemistry with co-star Breathnach. Shelter isn’t any more realistic than what we saw in 2024’s The Beekeeper, the change of a tale of revenge to a tale of redemption adds a more genuine and dire stakes to every stab, punch, or shot taken.

 
 
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