There’s a rhythm to Liam Neeson‘s action career—the gruff voice, the weary eyes, the “particular set of skills.” For years, his films followed a reliable, if formulaic, beat: taken hostages, explosive showdowns, and a body count that would make John Wick blush. But every so often, Neeson straying from the script delivers something raw, human, and unexpectedly moving. The Marksman, directed by Robert Lorenz (a longtime Clint Eastwood collaborator), is one of those films.
- A Western for the 21st Century
- The Heart of the Film: Neeson and Perez
- Why Critics Missed the Mark
- 4 Reasons to Watch The Marksman on Netflix
- FAQ: What You Need to Know
- Is The Marksman just another generic Liam Neeson movie?
- What’s the film’s biggest strength?
- Why did it fly under the radar?
- Is it worth watching if I’m not an action fan?
- Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem Worth Your Time
Neeson plays Jim Hanson, a retired Marine turned rancher, patrolling the Arizona-Mexico border like a modern-day cowboy. His life is one of quiet routine and simmering regret—until a desperate mother and her young son, Miguel (Jacob Perez), flee across his land, pursued by a ruthless cartel. When the mother is killed, Hanson makes a promise that drags him into a cross-country chase, protecting the boy from assassins while confronting his own ghosts of war and loss.
A Western for the 21st Century
The Marksman feels less like a standard Neeson thriller and more like a spiritual successor to Eastwood’s late-career Westerns—lean, morally ambiguous, and steeped in loneliness. Lorenz, who cut his teeth producing films like Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby, brings a gritty, character-driven weight to the material. This isn’t a film about body counts or explosions; it’s about two broken souls—one old and hardened, the other young and terrified—finding something like family in the chaos.
The Arizona desert becomes its own character here, a vast, unforgiving landscape that mirrors Hanson’s inner emptiness. The action is sparse but brutal, favoring tension over spectacle. When violence erupts, it’s sudden, messy, and consequential—not the choreographed ballet of a John Wick film, but the ugly, desperate scraps of real survival.
The Heart of the Film: Neeson and Perez
What elevates The Marksman above generic action fare is the relationship between Hanson and Miguel. Neeson, master of the thousand-yard stare, plays Hanson as a man haunted by his past, his gruff exterior slowly cracking under the weight of protecting someone who reminds him of what he’s lost. Perez, as Miguel, is a revelation—stubborn, scared, and fiercely loyal, holding his own against Neeson’s commanding presence.
Their road trip to Chicago becomes a study in reluctant fatherhood and forced trust. There’s a quiet, heartbreaking scene where Hanson teaches Miguel to shoot, not as a lesson in violence, but as a way to survive in a world that’s already taken too much from him. It’s these small, human moments that make the film more than just a chase thriller.
Why Critics Missed the Mark
The Marksman debuted in January 2021, a time when theaters were empty and attention spans were short. Critics, perhaps fatigued by Neeson’s action formula, dismissed it as another “Taken” retread. But audiences—who gave it a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the critics’ 37%—saw something different: a film that prioritized character over chaos.
Yes, the plot is predictable. Yes, the villains are one-dimensional. But The Marksman isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s polishing an old, reliable one. In an era of bloated superhero spectacles, there’s something refreshing about a film that knows exactly what it is: a lean, mean, emotionally resonant thriller with just enough grit to feel real.
4 Reasons to Watch The Marksman on Netflix
Why It Stands Out:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| A Modern Western | Lorenz’s direction and the desert setting give it the feel of a classic Western, with Neeson as the reluctant gunslinger. |
| Neeson’s Best in Years | This isn’t Taken 4—it’s Neeson at his most vulnerable, playing a man running from his past. |
| A Breakout Young Star | Jacob Perez holds his own against Neeson, making their father-son dynamic the film’s emotional core. |
| A Thriller with Heart | Unlike most action films, The Marksman takes time to breathe, letting its characters drive the story. |
FAQ: What You Need to Know
Is The Marksman just another generic Liam Neeson movie?
No. While it fits within his action wheelhouse, it’s darker, quieter, and more character-driven than most of his recent films. Think The Grey meets Unforgiven.
What’s the film’s biggest strength?
The chemistry between Neeson and Perez. Their evolving relationship gives the film its emotional weight, making the action feel personal.
Why did it fly under the radar?
It was released in January 2021, when theaters were closed and marketing was minimal. Plus, critics underestimated its depth, focusing on its familiar plot rather than its execution.
Is it worth watching if I’m not an action fan?
Yes. While it has action elements, it’s more of a drama—a story about redemption, trust, and the cost of violence.
Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem Worth Your Time
The Marksman isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s genuine—a throwback to a time when thrillers were about people, not pyrotechnics. It’s the kind of film that grows on you, the kind you stumble upon late at night and end up watching till the credits roll.
Where to Watch: Netflix
