Statham is back. And he’s looking for shelter.

Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, Shelter follows Mason (Jason Statham), an ex-military man who lives a secluded life of self-imposed exile on a remote coastal island. However, his world is turned on its head when a young girl (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) crashes onto his shore. Suddenly finding himself out of seclusion, Mason suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of an old foe who is determined to erase him from the history books, forcing him to navigate the dangers of his past in order to protect the orphaned girl.

Admittedly, Shelter feels very familiar. Building its story from pieces of other actioners over the last 10-15 years, it simply hits a lot of the same beats that we’ve seen multiple times before. (After all, how many times have we seen a film about an aging, retired assassin who sets out on a revenge journey to protect the life of a young girl?)

But, somehow, Statham sells the film in just the right way. Although he’s built his career on his own blend of humour and violence, Statham really is at his butt-kicking best when he takes his material very, very seriously. Yes, Statham has comedic talent but Shelter really gives him the chance to remind us what makes him special as an action hero. And Shelter doesn’t allow him the opportunity to mug for the camera with a winking eye. Instead, he plays Mason as a man of focus and intensity.

“Mason isn’t a weapon. He’s a precision instrument,” we’re warned.

And, most importantly, his fists are fueled with fury. Having directed multiple films with Gerard Butler, Waugh manages to bring the same intensity of the action to Shelter. There’s very little ‘shakey-cam’ footage, allowing Statham to fight with precision onscreen in a way that highlights his prowess. And, frankly, it’s refreshing. Statham is always most interesting when he’s given the chance to unleash his martial arts with intensity. He’s older and slower than he once was but he’s still got the skills to beat down baddies when he’s given the chance.

But Mason’s journey isn’t only one of wanton violence. He may not show his sense of humour but his growl is infused with a gruffy charm that draws in the viewer. Teamed with young Bodhi Rae Breathnach, Statham shows off his compassionate side, even as he dispatches baddies with reckless abandon. Once a man of violence, their relationship reminds him of the need for connection, even if those relationships feel impossible.

In this way, the film doesn’t really have any particular deeply-encoded message, even if Mason’s journey of self-discovery does feel like character growth. This is a story that reminds the viewer that masculinity doesn’t necessarily require being an ‘island’ (both literally and metaphorically). But that’s about as deeply as it wants to explore the issue.

But, let’s be serious. That’s not why you’re in the theatre to see Shelter.

Chances are, if you’re interested in seeing Shelter, it’s to see Statham turn the countryside upside down. And, frankly, that’s where the film shines. This isn’t a film that is looking for awards or wants to change the world. Statham has made a career starring in B-movies yet, because of its focus and firepower, Shelter is an easy A for the action hero.

Shelter is available in theatres on Friday, January 30th, 2026.