The end of the holidays heralds an event that is arguably even more monumental: the start of the movie season in January. If you’re the kind of cinephile looking for unapologetically wild action films dominated by middle-aged movie stars (see: Gerard Butler’s “Plane” and the upcoming sequel “Ship”), this month often offers plenty of gems, that need to be discovered in the calm between the big studio release seasons.

The most notable January film of 2025 might be “Flight Risk,” Mel Gibson’s latest directorial effort, in which Mark Wahlberg plays a pilot tasked with protecting a U.S. air marshal (Michelle Dockery) and a dangerous fugitive (Topher Grace). to transport the dish. But unlike the hero roles he usually plays, Wahlberg’s pilot is actually an assassin with his own ulterior motives. The two passengers soon find themselves trapped in mid-air with a dangerous pilot, creating a claustrophobic thriller that takes place at 30,000 feet.

“The audience will initially think, ‘Here comes Mark to do something to save the day, but No,” Wahlberg said in a press release. “Fifteen minutes into the film you realize that this is not what you imagined.”

“Flight Risk” was written by Jared Rosenberg and directed by Mel Gibson. The film’s executive producers include Alex Lebovici, Jenny Hinkey, Vicki Christianson, Nick Guerra, Paul J. Diaz, Petr Jákl, Russell Hollander, Jon Huddle, Patrick Josten, Walter Josten, Jarrett Mahoney, Christopher Woodrow, K. Blaine Johnston and Ryan Donnell Smith, Natasha Stassen and Allen Cheney.

Flight Risk marks Gibson’s first time behind the camera since 2016’s Hacksaw Ridge, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. The controversial filmmaker is currently preparing “The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection,” his long-planned two-part sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” which will follow Jim Caviezel’s Jesus as he journeys to other realms in the three days between his crucifixion and his ascension. Production on this film is scheduled to begin in Malta in early 2025.

“Flight Risk,” a Lionsgate release, is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, January 24th. Check out the latest trailer below.