Flight’s first act is dominated by an astounding, heart-pounding, incredibly edited flight sequence. There’s clear stakes and an ever-present sense of danger thanks to the inebriation of lead pilot, Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington, in a resonant performance that warranted the Oscar nomination). The technical details may be hard to understand, but it manages to be both frantic and easy to follow (and the special effects were completely convincing).

After the excitement, the film shifts into a sombre character study of the dour, resentful Whitaker: addicted, alcoholic… kind of an asshole. It’s carefully and confidently (and occasionally creatively) directed. Director Robert Zemeckis holds his cards close to his chest, keeping the audience in the dark as to whether this is a redemption tale or an unforgiving downward spiral (or both).

While the unhurried, measured pace of the film suit its unrepentant depiction of Whitaker, it’s thoroughly overshadowed by the exhilaration of the introduction. The powerful opening flight sequence hangs over Flight like a morose thundercloud. It’s fitting, given the same accident consumes Whitaker completely and ultimately changes him as a person… but it hurts the film, which can never live up to the opening. The first act is simply too good.

Rating: 115/200