Alarum is a 2025 American action-thriller film directed by Michael Polish and written by Alexander Vesha. Set in a world of international espionage and personal betrayal, the film stars Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald as Joe and Laura, a pair of former spies who have left their agencies and violent pasts behind in pursuit of a peaceful, anonymous life. However, peace is short-lived when a mysterious plane crashes near their remote cabin, catapulting them back into a web of danger and conspiracy.
The inciting incident comes when Joe retrieves a flash drive from the wreckage of the crash. The drive contains sensitive intelligence that draws the attention of multiple dangerous factions, each vying to possess the data for their own ends. The quiet life Joe and Laura have built is quickly shattered as they become the targets of assassins, covert operatives, and a looming secret organization known as ALARUM. The film explores their desperate attempts to stay alive, protect the information, and unravel the mystery of who really wants them dead.
Adding depth to the story is the character of Agent Chester, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. Once Joe’s mentor and longtime friend, Chester is now dispatched to track and capture him. His allegiances remain uncertain throughout the film, and his relationship with Joe provides one of the few emotional anchors in an otherwise action-heavy narrative. While Stallone brings gravitas and experience to the role, his screen time is limited, and many critics have noted that his presence is underutilized.
From a technical standpoint, Alarum is a mixed bag. The film features a handful of serviceable action sequences, including car chases, shootouts, and close-combat fights, but lacks the kinetic energy and creativity that define more successful entries in the genre. The cinematography is workmanlike, with muted color palettes and unmemorable settings that fail to leave a lasting impression. Visual effects are particularly disappointing, with poorly rendered explosions and digital effects that detract from the tension rather than enhance it.
What ultimately holds Alarum back is its script. The dialogue often feels stilted and exposition-heavy, and the film struggles to establish a consistent tone. At times it attempts emotional sincerity between the leads, only to quickly return to generic action beats that undermine those quieter moments. Laura, while portrayed with conviction by Willa Fitzgerald, is written more as a plot device than a fully realized character, and her motivations remain vague throughout.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Alarum is more interested in setting up a sequel than in resolving its own plot. The final act introduces more questions than it answers, with a twist ending that feels more confusing than clever. The film closes on an ambiguous note, suggesting that the mystery of ALARUM is far from over.
In summary, Alarum is a thriller that promises high-stakes espionage but delivers a formulaic experience. Despite its star power and intriguing premise, the film is ultimately weighed down by weak writing, forgettable visuals, and an unsatisfying conclusion. For fans of the spy-thriller genre, it may be a passable diversion, but it falls short of making a lasting impact.
