The Commuter

The Commuter, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is a 2018 action-thriller film that explores the life of a regular commuter caught in a desperate pursuit. The movie revolves around the daily routine of Michael McClane, whose life appears to be a perfect blend of work and family responsibilities. A retired police officer, Michael is now a successful banker who values a quiet and predictable life, especially after the tragic loss of his wife. The film begins with Michael boarding a train, a regular occurrence for him. As the days blur into each other, the commuters settle into their usual routines and spots on the train, each lost in their own thoughts. However, something unexpected changes Michael's daily commute from a mundane routine to a gripping and treacherous ride. When he boards the train, he gets into a conversation with a businesswoman, Joanna, who seems out of place in the sea of suit-clad professionals. Her sudden interest in talking to Michael leads him to reveal his past as a police officer, much to her surprise. As the train begins its journey, Joanna hands Michael a folder containing a photo of a man she claims her husband has been missing for a year. The photo seems out of place among the formal attire and professional demeanor displayed by the commuters, but something in Joanna's tone and words makes Michael sympathize with her situation. He promises to investigate further and return the folder to her when his stop arrives. As Michael gets off the train at his designated stop, he begins to dig into the mystery, questioning his own involvement. He contacts the missing person's office and a detective who seems less than cooperative. This is where the audience begins to appreciate the complexity and nuances of Michael's personality. A person who values discipline, routine, and structure is now being drawn into a conspiracy that threatens to upend his life. At first, Michael is hesitant to pursue the case further, but his growing sense of guilt and responsibility pushes him to investigate. As he tries to piece together the clues and make sense of Joanna's story, he realizes that the truth behind the missing person is far greater than he initially imagined. As Michael embarks on this investigation, he inadvertently becomes entangled in a dark web of deception and deceit. He finds himself caught up in the middle of a human trafficking scheme orchestrated by a ruthless and cunning organization that will do anything to keep their secrets buried. The deeper Michael gets into the mystery, the more he realizes that he is now in grave danger. The once-peaceful train commute has now turned into a desperate pursuit of survival. Michael must use all his skills and experience as a police officer to navigate the complex and treacherous world he finds himself in. The tension builds up as Michael navigates the crowded train and tries to evade the pursuers who will stop at nothing to eliminate him. In addition to the action-packed suspense, the film also delves into the personal life of its protagonist. The tragic loss of his wife weighs heavily on Michael's mind as he tries to rebuild his life with his daughter. The film masterfully portrays how Michael's past serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As the story unfolds, Michael discovers that the seemingly unrelated events he had encountered on the train are, in fact, interconnected. The enigmatic woman, the mysterious folder, and the cryptic messages form a complex web of clues that Michael uses to track down the missing person. The climax features a series of intense confrontations as Michael navigates through the train to reach Joanna, who he soon discovers is not who she claims to be. Her true intentions are far from what Michael had anticipated, throwing him off guard and adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. The final scenes showcase Michael utilizing his instincts to rescue the missing persons as he attempts to unravel the intricate web of deceit. The Commuter serves as a gripping reminder of the power of human resilience in the face of adversity and the need to stand up against the darkest elements of human society, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem. Ultimately, the movie's plot provides a unique blend of suspense, action, and drama that immerses viewers into the desperate world of human struggle and courage in the face of overwhelming danger. The Commuter delivers a thrilling ride as the protagonist battles against human trafficking and the darkness of human nature, leaving viewers with a lasting impression of the heroism and sacrifice that ordinary people are capable of in times of crisis. The film leaves viewers pondering the nature of truth and our capacity to uncover the truth, even in the darkest of circumstances.