Name: 97 Minutes
Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama
Released: 2023-06-09T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Alec Baldwin, MyAnna Buring, Jo Martin, Michael Sirow

The opening shot of 97 Minutes is a relentless countdown timer: 97 minutes until the hijacked Boeing 767 crashes. It’s an effective hook, one that director Timo Vuorensola wields with urgency, but it’s also the film’s Achilles heel—a ticking clock doesn’t make for compelling drama if nothing else matters.

The premise is familiar territory: a high-stakes thriller aboard a plane with a nuclear bomb, where the NSA debates whether to shoot it down (Alec Baldwin’s Hawkins advocating for it, Jo Martin’s Toyin against). The film’s best moments come from this tension—Baldwin, in full blustery mode, chews scenery as the morally dubious agency head, while MyAnna Buring anchors the emotional core as Kim, a physician aboard the plane. But where Non-Stop or Plane found ways to deepen their suspense with character work, 97 Minutes falters. The script (written by Pavan Grover) introduces red herrings—like Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Alex, an undercover agent with questionable motives—and then forgets them. A subplot about a nuclear bomb is introduced too late to carry weight, and the film’s climax—a last-minute change of heart from Alex—feels more like narrative convenience than earned resolution.

The performances are serviceable but rarely rise above genre expectations. Meyers is competent as the morally ambiguous lead, but Baldwin steals every scene he’s in, even if his character’s arc is predictable. Buring brings warmth and urgency to her role, but she’s sidelined for long stretches. The supporting cast—including Jo Martin as Toyin and Davor Tomić as Marko—are given little to do beyond exposition.

Visually, the film is competent but unremarkable. Vuorensola and cinematographer Konstantin Freyer lean heavily on claustrophobic close-ups and shaky cam during action sequences, which heighten tension but don’t add much in terms of originality. The sound design is effective—especially the constant hum of the plane’s engines—but the score is forgettable.

Where 97 Minutes stumbles most is in its pacing. The film moves in fits and starts, introducing conflicts only to abandon them minutes later. A mid-air missile strike misses its target but hits another plane—a moment that should carry emotional weight—only for the film to gloss over the aftermath entirely. The script’s inability to maintain momentum is a recurring issue, with key plot points introduced and then quickly discarded.

Thematically, 97 Minutes tries to grapple with questions of sacrifice, trust, and moral ambiguity, but it never digs deep enough to make these themes resonate. The film’s central dilemma—whether to shoot down the plane or attempt a landing—is compelling on paper, but the execution lacks nuance. Baldwin’s Hawkins is a classic authority figure gone rogue, while Toyin represents the voice of reason, but their debate never feels fully fleshed out.

The film’s runtime is tight (97 minutes, appropriately), but it doesn’t leave enough room for character development or emotional payoff. The pacing issues are exacerbated by the film’s reliance on genre tropes—hijacked plane, ticking clock, nuclear threat—without adding anything fresh to the mix. Vuorensola’s direction is functional, but he lacks the flair of a director like Fincher, who could elevate similar material with striking visuals and razor-sharp editing.

The film’s production history adds another layer of context. Alec Baldwin was filming in Alton, Hampshire on 9 February 2022, just months after the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on his previous film set Rust. His presence here is a reminder of the weight he carries as an actor, and while he delivers a commanding performance, it’s clear that the script doesn’t fully utilize his range. The film was shot in just 18 days, which may explain some of its rushed pacing and underdeveloped characters.

97 Minutes is a decent watch for fans of formulaic thrillers, but it lacks the depth or originality to stand out in a crowded field. The performances are solid, particularly Baldwin’s scenery-chewing turn as Hawkins, but the script’s weaknesses hold the film back. Vuorensola’s direction is competent but uninspired, and the film’s reliance on genre tropes without adding anything fresh makes it feel like a missed opportunity.

The film’s release strategy—limited theatrical run followed by streaming availability on Hulu and Prime Video—suggests that its creators didn’t expect it to be a box office smash. And while it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, 97 Minutes does offer some thrilling moments and solid performances that make it worth a watch for genre fans.

In the end, 97 Minutes is a film that tries to do too much in too little time. It’s a decent thriller with some standout performances, but its pacing issues and reliance on genre tropes prevent it from reaching its full potential.