"Alarum (2025)"

Alarum (2025) – A Spy Thriller That Missed the Mark

Director: Michael Polish
Writer: Alexander Vesha
Lead Cast: Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, Sylvester Stallone, Mike Colter
Production Companies: BondIt Media Capital, Buffalo 8 Productions, Convergence Entertainment Group
Distributor: Lionsgate
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Language: English
Runtime: 93 minutes
Genre: Action, Thriller

Introduction

Alarum is a 2025 American action thriller film directed by Michael Polish and written by Alexander Vesha. Despite having a promising cast and a spy-centric storyline, the film failed to leave a lasting impression on audiences or critics. Featuring performances by Scott Eastwood and Sylvester Stallone, the movie attempted to deliver high-stakes espionage but struggled with its execution and reception.

Plot Summary

Joe Travers (Scott Eastwood) and his wife Lara (Willa Fitzgerald) are former intelligence agents living a quiet life off the grid. Their peaceful existence is shattered when various spy agencies begin hunting them down, believing they are in possession of a stolen hard drive containing top-secret data. Forced back into action, the couple must rely on their training and instincts to outmaneuver assassins, survive a series of attacks, and clear their names.

Production and Budget

Filming for Alarum took place in Eastern Europe and featured a mix of practical stunts and digital effects. The production was managed by BondIt Media Capital, Buffalo 8 Productions, and Convergence Entertainment. The film had an estimated production budget of $20 million.

Box Office Performance

Despite the presence of recognizable stars, Alarum underperformed significantly at the box office:

Domestic (USA & Canada): Limited or negligible theatrical release
Egypt Box Office (2 weeks):
- Week 1: 271,277 EGP (~$17,500 USD)
- Week 2: 62,038 EGP (~$4,000 USD)
Worldwide Gross: Approximately $110,000 USD

The film failed to recoup its production costs, making it a commercial flop.

Critical Reception

Alarum received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike:

Rotten Tomatoes: 0% critic score (based on 20 reviews), 16% audience score
Critics described the film as “laughably bad,” with poor direction, low production value, and a confusing narrative.
The New York Times criticized the “flavorless tossed salad” of spy tropes and lifeless European locations.

Despite featuring an ensemble cast, the film's lack of coherence and originality led to its downfall.

Conclusion

Alarum (2025) aimed to be a gripping spy thriller but ultimately failed to deliver either tension or entertainment. With a muddled plot, weak dialogue, and underwhelming action, it serves as a cautionary tale that even big names can't always save a movie. For viewers seeking a strong espionage thriller, this film might best be left on the shelf.

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