(Credit: Netflix)

Netflix loves a surprise comeback story. One day, you are scrolling past the usual stream of new originals and reality chaos. Next, you see a psychological thriller from 2005 starring Cillian Murphy quietly climbing the charts. This week, that spotlight belongs to Red Eye, a two-decade-old film that has suddenly landed at number 10 on Netflix US.

The film is tight, tense, and just 85 minutes long. It is also the kind of movie that knows exactly what it wants to do. No overexplaining. No unnecessary side plots. Just a straightforward, anxiety-fuelled ride at 30,000 feet.

Red Eye stars Cillian Murphy as Jackson Rippner, a smooth, charming stranger. He ends up seated next to Rachel McAdams’ character Lisa on a red-eye flight to Miami. What begins as a casual conversation quickly turns dark. Within minutes, Lisa realises she is trapped. He knows everything about her. And he is using her to pull off a high-stakes political assassination. Yes, that is the actual plot. So why is this fast-paced thriller making noise again in 2025?

There are a few reasons. First, Cillian Murphy continues to draw attention for his offbeat roles and sharp, unpredictable screen presence. With fans now digging into older thrillers and hidden gems, Red Eye has become an easy recommendation. Murphy’s performance in particular is electric. He shifts from likeable to terrifying in the blink of an eye.

Then there is Rachel McAdams, who delivers a performance that is far more intense than viewers might expect from a mid-2000s thriller. Her character is not a passive victim. She is smart, resourceful, and constantly pushing back even when she is cornered. Her sense of control slipping away piece by piece is what keeps you locked in.

The film also benefits from something that many modern thrillers seem to forget: brevity. At under 90 minutes, Red Eye wastes no time. There is tension in every scene. The pacing is tight. The stakes are clear. And the confined setting of a commercial flight only makes everything feel more intense.

Also, let’s not forget the director: Wes Craven, best known for Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street. This was one of his rare forays outside the horror genre, but you can feel the influence. He plays with suspense like only a horror veteran can. Every glance, every gesture, every moment of silence feels loaded with danger.

Of course, part of the film’s current success also comes down to timing. With the rise of bite-sized thrillers, viewers are looking for quick, high-stakes films that deliver. No complicated world-building. No franchise setup. Just good storytelling and intense performances. Red Eye fits that brief perfectly.

So yes, Red Eye is back on the radar. And honestly, it deserves the attention. It is proof that a film does not need a massive budget or universe to be effective. Just a good script, two excellent leads, and a window seat with no escape.

If you are in the mood for a Netflix thriller that gets in, gets scary, and gets out before your popcorn runs out, this one is worth the click.