SHELTER is a 2026 action thriller film directed by Ric Roman Waugh (Snitch, Shot Caller), from a screenplay by Ward Parry.
On a remote coastal island, a reclusive man (Jason Statham) rescues a young girl from a deadly storm, drawing them both into danger. Forced out of isolation, he must confront his turbulent past while protecting her, sending them on a tense journey of survival and redemption.
The cast includes Jason Statham, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays.
SHELTER made its debut in theaters January 30th, courtesy of Black Bear Pictures.
Give me a release week of movies that includes a new movie from Jason Statham, and I’m a pretty happy guy. The latest Statham movie is directed by Ric Roman Waugh who is no stranger to gritty action crime drama films. Teaming up with an actor like Statham made perfect sense allowing for a collaboration of two very talented individuals. Now you can debate all you want about whether or not Statham is just a type cast sort of actor, but I feel like there’s a difference between a guy who can only play a certain role, and a guy who is just so damn good at playing that type of role yet still has a ton of versatility as an actor. Jason Statham is quite simply not only a bad ass, but he is a damn good actor.
I fell in love with Statham as an actor back when I watched him in the 2002 action film The Transporter. Statham played a man named Frank Martin who specialized in “transporting” packages for unknown clients, and he always completed the job, no matter what. The film was co-written by the incredibly talented Luc Besson, the man who wrote and directed one of the best crime drama films ever made, Léon: The Professional (1994). Now Statham is absolutely perfect in the role where he just mows down bad guy after bad guy, and I would’ve had no problem if SHELTER was that kind of movie, but instead it feels more like one of the Bourne films where the pacing is a bit slower as the story unravels. Similar to Jason Bourne, Statham plays a man named Mason, a former government assassin who was the best at what he did, but finds himself in the crosshairs of his former employer.
Mason is a mysterious man living at an old abandoned lighthouse on an island off the coast of Scotland with his dog. He lives a very solitary life and has supplies delivered to him by boat once a week from a young girl named Jesse and her uncle. A bad storm during a delivery forces the injured young girl in the care of Mason, setting off a domino effect that leads to his past catching up to him. First and foremost Mason is a man that is not to be messed with, and once people begin to come after him and he decides that this little girl is to be protected at all costs, he will stop at nothing to ensure her safety. Mason’s former boss goes rogue in an effort to have him killed, which leads to some intense and exciting action sequences after they send a very dangerous and relentless man to kill him.
Jason Statham has starred in so many great movies, but I honestly think SHELTER is one of my favorites. This film just felt like an opportunity for Statham to really show his talent as an actor, and the emotional depth of his character is just as important as his skill and physical strength. Viewers will feel invested in his character and will appreciate his loyalty and sheer dedication to protecting this girl at all costs. I also thought that young actress Bodhi Rae Breathnach, who plays Jesse in the film, was absolutely fantastic. Bill Nighy was great as Statham’s former boss.
Shooting took place in Wicklow, Ireland, and the cinematography courtesy of Martin Ahlgren is absolutely breathtaking. I loved the slower pace and the gritty feel of the film, which was maximized by a stellar soundtrack from David Buckley. SHELTER is a slow burn experience that requires an appreciation for the characters and the setting, and taking all of that in is the only way to get the full experience. Plus just on the technical side as far as fight sequences and action scenes in general with car chases etc, SHELTER delivers the goods and then some.
THE VERDICT
A slow burn action thriller that showcases Jason Statham’s talent as an actor, SHELTER is a gritty and immersive experience packed with emotional depth and top-tier action sequences. Whether you consider yourself to be a Statham fan or not, this film is without a doubt worth seeing in theaters.
TED TAKES RATING - 8.2/10
SHELTER is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.