How a tight, brisk thriller became a cult favorite despite its star's own doubts

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Directed by Wes Craven, the 2005 psychological thriller Red Eye follows a hotel manager trapped in a mid-air assassination plot. While critics praised its economic tension and strong lead performances, the film's own star, Cillian Murphy, has since reflected on the project with a surprisingly critical eye.

Released in August 2005, Red Eye was marketed as a high-stakes thriller, often described by industry trades as Phone Booth on a plane. The plot centers on Lisa Reisert, played by Rachel McAdams, who is coerced by a domestic terrorist named Jackson Rippner, played by Cillian Murphy, during a flight to Miami. Rippner intends to use Lisa’s position at a hotel to facilitate the assassination of a government official. The film’s production was relatively swift, with DreamWorks Pictures purchasing Carl Ellsworth’s script in March 2004 and Wes Craven signing on to direct that August.

Upon release, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $95 million worldwide against a $26 million budget. Critical reception was generally favorable, with reviewers like Roger Ebert and Peter Travers highlighting the effective chemistry between McAdams and Murphy. Critics appreciated the film’s brisk pacing and the grounded intensity McAdams brought to her role. However, some reviewers, such as Robert Koehler of Variety, noted that the film relied on tension to distract from the inherent illogic of its central conspiracy plot, while others felt the final act devolved into a standard action flick.

The film’s legacy remains a point of interest, particularly regarding the perspective of its lead actor. In 2021 and again in 2024, Cillian Murphy expressed reservations about the film, characterizing it as a schlocky B movie rather than a high-quality production. Despite his personal assessment, the film has maintained a positive reputation among audiences and critics alike, even appearing on lists of scary movie moments. It remains a notable example of how a genre film can be retrospectively elevated by strong performances, even when those involved in its creation remain unconvinced of its artistic merit.

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