In the crowded landscape of action-thriller films, 97 Minutes (2023) stands out as a relentless, pulse-pounding ride that delivers non-stop tension from start to finish. Directed by Timo Vuorensola (Iron Sky) and starring a talented ensemble cast, this film takes the classic “race against time” premise and injects it with fresh energy, brutal action, and a twisty plot that keeps audiences guessing.

In this in-depth review and analysis, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 97 Minutes—from its gripping premise and standout performances to its real-world inspirations and why it’s a must-watch for fans of high-stakes thrillers.

1. The Premise: A Hijacking Gone Wrong

The Setup

The film’s title, 97 Minutes, refers to the amount of time a commercial airliner can stay in the air after its fuel lines are severed—a horrifying real-world aviation vulnerability. The story follows:

• A hijacked passenger jet (Flight 616) taken over by a group of ruthless terrorists.
• A covert team of operatives tasked with retaking the plane before it crashes.
• A traitor on board who may be working with the hijackers.

What Makes It Unique?

Unlike other airborne thrillers (Air Force One, Non-Stop), 97 Minutes focuses on the ground team’s desperate efforts to regain control rather than just the passengers’ survival. The film shifts between:

• The claustrophobic tension inside the plane.
• The high-stakes tactical maneuvers of the response team.
• Government conspiracies that suggest the hijacking isn’t what it seems.

2. The Cast & Characters

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Alex Colt

• A disgraced ex-Special Forces operative brought back for one last mission.
• Meyers delivers a gritty, emotionally charged performance as a man with nothing left to lose.

MyAnna Buring as Captain Sarah Holloway

• The plane’s quick-thinking pilot, fighting to keep passengers alive.
• A refreshingly capable female lead who avoids damsel-in-distress tropes.

Graham McTavish as CIA Deputy Director Harris

• The morally ambiguous official who may know more than he’s letting on.
• McTavish (The Hobbit, Outlander) brings his signature intensity to the role.

Other Key Players

• Jack Donnelly as a terrorist with a hidden agenda.
• Pasha D. Lychnikoff as a Russian arms dealer tied to the hijacking.

3. The Director’s Vision: Timo Vuorensola’s Gritty Approach

From Sci-Fi Satire to Hardcore Action

Vuorensola, best known for the cult hit Iron Sky (a Nazi moon invasion comedy), takes a sharp turn into serious thriller territory with 97 Minutes. His direction emphasizes:

• Handheld, documentary-style camerawork to heighten realism.
• Minimal CGI—most stunts and plane interiors were practical sets.
• Relentless pacing—the film rarely slows down.

Influences & Homages

Fans of Captain Phillips, The Raid, and Speed will find familiar thrills, but 97 Minutes carves its own identity with:

• A darker, more cynical tone than most Hollywood hijacking films.
• Morally gray characters—no clear-cut heroes or villains.

4. The Action: Brutal, Unflinching, and Realistic

Standout Sequences

• The Hijacking Scene – A sudden, chaotic takeover filmed in one long take.
• Mid-Air Repelling – Commandos storming the plane from another aircraft.
• The Final Showdown – A brutal hand-to-hand fight in the plane’s cargo hold.

How It Compares to Other Airborne Thrillers

5. The Real-Life Inspirations

The 97-Minute Fuel Window

Aviation experts confirm that most commercial planes can glide for roughly 90-100 minutes after total engine failure. The film exploits this terrifying reality for maximum suspense.

Historical Hijackings Referenced

• 9/11 (2001) – The film doesn’t directly reference it but carries its shadow.
• Germanwings Flight 9525 (2015) – A pilot intentionally crashing a plane.
• EgyptAir Flight 990 (1999) – Controversial crash theories.

6. Critical Reception & Audience Reactions

What Critics Said

• “A white-knuckle thriller that doesn’t let up.” – The Guardian
• “Meyers’ best performance in years.” – Variety
• “The third act twist feels forced.” – IndieWire

Fan Responses

• Praise for the realism (ex-pilots applauded the aviation details).
• Debates over the ending—some found it satisfying, others too abrupt.

7. Where to Watch & Is It Worth Your Time?

Streaming Availability

• Amazon Prime Video (Free for subscribers in select regions).
• Apple TV / Google Play (Rental/Purchase).

Who Will Love It?

✔ Fans of realistic action thrillers.
✔ Viewers who enjoy hijacking/plane disaster movies.
✔ Anyone who wants a tight, 90-minute adrenaline rush.

Who Might Be Disappointed?

✖ Those expecting deep character development.
✖ Viewers who dislike abrupt endings.

8. The Verdict: A Solid, Gritty Thriller

97 Minutes doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it executes its premise with precision, intensity, and just enough twists to stand out. If you’re craving a no-nonsense, high-stakes action film, this one delivers.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

• Action: 9/10
• Plot: 7/10
• Performances: 8/10

Have You Seen 97 Minutes?

What did you think of the ending? Let’s discuss in the comments