The Wasteland Reviewer

Shelter (2026) Written Review

Now that it is January, what should we be expecting at the theater? You expect to get plenty of horror films as this is usually a dumping ground for horror films that studios are not confident about. 2026 has delivered some bad ones (but some good to great ones too). You also expect to get a new Gerard Butler film as well (with Greenland 2: Migration). You might even expect a Liam Neeson film as well (this year, his latest film is being dropped in February with Cold Storage). But it has also become a place for new Jason Statham movies and that brings Shelter to the big screen. 

With Greenland director Ric Roman Waugh behind the camera, does Shelter deliver on the action/thriller side of things? Shelter might surprise folks as this is quite an intense and serious thriller. The tone is certainly heavy as there is a distinct lack of camp featured in recent Statham efforts (like The Beekeeper). The pacing of the film is quite methodical and contemplative, which helps build the tension even if a few moments feel a little too slow. There is plenty of emotional weight in the film that deepens the experience quite well. The score from David Buckley packs a punch of emotion and suspense as well even if the sound mixing doesn’t always accentuate the impact.  Waugh finds a way to express the weight of this scenario in a methodical way while still delivering some intense action. The action is well choreographed and intense with the editing mostly getting out of its way. Shelter finds some soul in a January action/thriller. 

Does Shelter deliver a compelling narrative experience? One of the weaker elements of the film is that the film runs out of steam with what it has to say. Statham’s Mason begins to sound like a broken record in the second half of the film as most of his dialogue is clunky and repetitive. We get it…he wants to make sure this young girl Jesse is safe and will send her off to do so. The overall narrative experience has a strong core as the dynamic between Mason and Jesse is believable and impactful. The story gets a little too overly bloated as it plays out as the scale of this hunt becomes larger. The basic idea of man-and-girl-on-the-run is effective and the way it is presented in Shelter feels endearing and empathetic. The conflict between differing government agents is not the most fleshed out element of the film and leaves some of the characters feeling less significant. The government conspiracy at the center of the film is certainly not unique but it is effectively incorporated to keep the narrative moving forward. There are a few other characters injected into the narrative like a younger-and-better version of Mason on the hunt and one of his friends who takes them in who give the experience some layers.

How does the cast fit into this experience? Statham delivers a rock-solid performance that has slight layers of depth to his performance. There is some genuine feeling in his turn and his chemistry with young Bodhi Rae Breathnach is the heart of the film. Her performance is fantastic as she brings real weight and emotion to experience. The most important aspect of Statham’s performance is really the physicality, and he delivers in all of the action sequences. Bill Nighy is entertaining as ever with his turn as the corrupt government official who created Mason (a Bourne franchise type antagonist for sure). Naomi Ackie is a fantastic performer, but her character feels quite unnecessary (even if Ackie makes it a memorable role). Daniel Mays is a nice addition as Mason’s friend who has some emotions and charm to bring to the table. 

Is Shelter a worthwhile experience for this early month in the cinematic year? Shelter rises above most action/thrillers that get released this time of year. Statham brings some added (if subtle) layers to this character of Mason. The pseudo-father/daughter relationship hits for sure. The action is quite thrilling and Statham delivers the goods. A bit too derivative and it slowly loses focus, but Shelter is still a worthy addition to the cinema.