Watch One Shot

The 2021 action thriller film One Shot, directed by James Nunn, features a stellar cast that includes martial arts and action star Scott Adkins, Ashley Greene, and Ryan Phillippe. The title encompasses the high-stakes premise and the film's distinct real-time, single-take shooting style which hooks the audience with the intensity and immediacy of the unfolding events.

The storyline thrusts viewers into a tense night on a secluded CIA black site island when a high-value suspect is brought in for interrogation. The stakes are high as the suspect possesses critical information regarding an imminent terrorist threat. However, things take a sudden turn for the worse when the island comes under attack by a well-armed militant group intent on rescuing the captive before his secrets can be unearthed. The assailants are not only professional and deadly, but they also seem to possess inside knowledge about the facility's layout and security protocols.

Within this high-octane scenario, Scott Adkins portrays Jake Harris, a Navy SEAL tasked with maintaining the integrity of the facility and protecting its occupants at all costs. Adkins, known for his physicality and combat skills, presents a character that is both relentless and dynamic, embodying the raw determination needed in an operator facing overwhelming odds. He must navigate a series of increasingly dangerous confrontations, all while trying to deduce who the attackers are and what their endgame might be.

Ashley Greene plays Zoe Anderson, a savvy and determined CIA analyst, whose comprehension of the situation is critical in thwarting the attackers' plans. She brings a sharp intelligence and resourcefulness that complements the brute force of the military personnel she’s working alongside. Greene's character is an essential piece of the puzzle, providing the analytical skills necessary to unravel the complexities of the enemy's tactics and objectives.

Ryan Phillippe steps into the role of one of the facility's strategic leaders, whose experience and strategic mind are instrumental in mounting a defense against the seemingly unstoppable enemy force. Phillippe's character grapples with the pressures of leadership during a crisis, having to make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death.

One Shot excels as an iteration of the one-take action genre, which presents a continuous, unbroken sequence that follows the characters in real-time as they fight for survival. This innovative approach creates an immersive experience for viewers, increasing the suspense and tension by making them feel as if they are right alongside the characters every step of the way. The cinematography is key to this experience, seamlessly weaving through the corridors and combat situations with an impressive fluidity that heightens the sense of urgency and chaos.

Crafting a film in such a manner requires not just remarkable skill from the director and cinematographer but also impeccable coordination from the cast and crew to execute long takes without visible errors. The choreography of the action scenes, in particular, is crucial, as each punch, kick, and gunshot must be carefully timed and executed with precision to maintain the illusion of reality.

The film also touches upon themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral complexities of warfare and intelligence work. As the situation unravels, characters are faced with ethical dilemmas that challenge their preconceived notions of right and wrong. The screenplay intertwines personal backstories and interagency dynamics, providing depth to the characters and raising the stakes beyond just the physical confrontation.

One Shot is more than just a non-stop action flick; it is a testament to the intricate storytelling that's possible within the genre. The movie challenges its cast to deliver emotionally charged performances amidst the relentless pace, showcasing their talents both in terms of physical action and dramatic depth. It's a technical marvel for how it manages to hold the viewer's attention with its singular continuous shot, yet it never lets the gimmick overshadow the narrative's heart and the performances of its committed actors.

Given its unique cinematic approach and the intensity of both its narrative and the way it's captured on screen, One Shot offers action enthusiasts a captivating watch. It’s a blend of nail-biting suspense, tight choreography, and a plot that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Those who appreciate a good action thriller with a fresh twist will likely find this film a compelling and exhilarating addition to the genre.

One Shot is a 2021 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 39.