Flying—a dreaded experience for many. Some anticipate it with fear, while others endure cramped legroom, finding solace only in the promise of alcohol served at their seats. However, one flight stands out for all the wrong reasons: Red Eye.
The ITV series, spanning six episodes, introduces Richard Armitage as a man returning from a business trip to China, only to face extradition back for a murder he didn’t commit. Set predominantly aboard the plane bound for China, the series plunges Armitage and his fellow passengers, including the sharp-witted law enforcer portrayed by Jing Lusi, into a crisis. What ensues is far from a smooth journey, as the cabin transforms into a scene of poisoned meals, mounting casualties, and a convoluted mystery.
Despite its seemingly insurmountable flaws—ridiculous plot twists, lackluster dialogue, and uninspiring political intrigue—Red Eye manages to capture viewers’ attention, albeit fleetingly. As Nick Hilton notes in The Independent’s two-star review, the series is “just about watchable,” akin to the mildly diverting in-flight map viewed through the haze of a few too many Bloody Marys. Yet, what is it about airplane settings that captivate audiences, despite their predictability?
On one hand, the confinement of the aircraft creates a heightened sense of tension, with characters restricted in their movements and actions, amplifying the stakes. However, unlike settings such as warehouses or mansions, airplanes are dynamic environments, with the inherent danger of soaring through the sky at thousands of feet, adding an extra layer of peril.
The allure of Red Eye and similar thrillers lies in their portrayal of characters trapped in a high-stakes, confined space, a formula that rarely fails to deliver. While reminiscent of classics like Con Air and Flightplan, the genre has evolved over time, shaped by cultural shifts and real-world events such as the post-9/11 landscape.
The resurgence of airplane-centric narratives in recent years, evident in series like Hijack and films like Plane, signals a departure from the post-9/11 hesitancy surrounding air travel themes. Instead, planes are once again depicted as arenas for intense action and spectacle, divorced from reality and grounded in pure entertainment.
While Red Eye may not achieve classic status in the genre, it serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of a simple premise: an airplane, filled with danger and suspense. As long as there are wings, an engine, and a cabin fraught with peril, the possibilities for gripping storytelling are endless. So, buckle up and prepare for takeoff with Red Eye, streaming now on ITVX.
