The Wrong Job Makes You the Target

One last heist. One slip-up. One deadly game of cat and mouse. Momentum (2015) isn’t just another slick action thriller — it’s a high-speed chase through betrayal, politics, and the fight for survival. Directed by Stephen Campanelli, it’s about what happens when a professional thief discovers she’s stolen more than money — she’s stolen secrets.

The Plot

Alex Farraday (Olga Kurylenko) is supposed to be out of the game. But when she’s pulled back in for one final job, the heist spirals into chaos. Instead of a clean getaway, Alex finds herself hunted by Mr. Washington (James Purefoy), a ruthless assassin working for shadowy political interests.

What should have been a diamond robbery turns into a war over a flash drive containing government secrets. Alex must outwit killers, dodge conspiracies, and fight her way through a city where everyone wants her silenced.

Why It’s More Than Just Another Action Heist

Olga Kurylenko takes the lead – Known from Quantum of Solace, she shifts from Bond girl to action star in her own right.
James Purefoy as a chilling villain – Smooth, sadistic, and calculating, he elevates the film’s tension every time he’s on screen.
Political stakes beneath the action – It’s not just about money; it’s about secrets powerful enough to topple leaders.
Stylish, fast-paced combat – Gunfights, close combat, and chase sequences keep the adrenaline relentless.

🎭 Genre & Style

Momentum is a tech-infused action thriller with a noir edge. Its tone balances gritty violence with sleek, almost futuristic set pieces—think John Wick meets Mission: Impossible, but with a lower budget and a stronger focus on practical stunts .

💡 Interesting Facts

Originally a Se7en Sequel: The script was initially developed as Ei8ht, a follow-up to David Fincher’s Se7en, with Morgan Freeman’s character returning as a psychic investigator. The idea was scrapped, but elements survived in Momentum’s conspiracy plot .
Box Office Bomb: The film grossed only $70 in the U.K. during its opening weekend—one of the worst performances in history for a studio-backed thriller .
Morgan Freeman’s “Phoned-In” Role: Freeman reportedly shot his scenes in just a few days. His character primarily communicates via phone calls, leading critics to joke he was “thinking of his bank balance” .
Director’s Background: Stephen Campanelli was Clint Eastwood’s longtime camera operator, which explains the film’s polished visual style despite its narrative flaws .

⚠️ Critical Reception & flaws

Momentum was panned by critics for its predictable plot and underutilized supporting cast (especially Freeman). Reviewers called it “spectacularly generic” and “a daft action flick” . However, audiences praised Kurylenko’s performance and the relentless action, giving it a cult following among fans of female-led thrillers .

🎬 Legacy: A flawed But Fun Ride

While Momentum doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it delivers exactly what it promises: a fast, tense, and visually stylish thriller. Kurylenko proves she can carry an action film, and Purefoy’s villain is a highlight. Its cliffhanger ending hinted at a franchise that never materialized—but for viewers seeking a undemanding, energetic night in, it’s a solid choice