Movies

Rewatching Red Eye Reveals Two Villains Even Scarier Than Cillian Murphy

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CAUTION: The following content unveils some significant aspects from the movie “Red Eye” (2005). If you haven’t watched this thriller that is currently available on Netflix, I advise you to exercise caution similar to Lisa, portrayed by Rachel McAdams. Consider your actions carefully before proceeding.

It took me aback to realize that it had been twenty years since I last watched Wes Craven’s film “Red Eye”. Upon revisiting it on Netflix, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie, which follows a hotel manager forced into assisting a political assassination by a sinister stranger she met on a late-night flight, remains remarkably relevant. Even though Cillian Murphy may not share this view, I found the film still compelling.

Discussing the Irish Oscar laureate, Cillian Murphy delivers an outstanding performance as Jackson Rippner, a character who is both alluringly charming and terrifyingly sinister in the guise of a terrorist. This role is among my favorites from Murphy, making me continue to hold the film in high regard. That said, it’s important to note that for me, the villain in this production isn’t quite as captivating as those portrayed in the movie “Red Eye,” primarily due to personal reasons. Let me clarify…

The Taylors Made My Blood Boil

Prior to securing my ideal position at TopMob, I spent nearly a decade working in a grocery store. This experience exposed me to numerous customers who demonstrated little understanding for minor setbacks and refused to be placated even when the situation was rectified, instead opting to continue behaving impolitely without reason. Given this background, you can understand my response to the Taylors during my recent Red Eye viewing.

In the movie, Robert Pine and Terry Press portray Bob and Marianne Taylor, characters who embody strong entitlement throughout. Initially, they behave as if Cynthia (played by Jayma Mays), a front desk employee trying her best to assist them in finding their lost reservation, has wronged them severely. Towards the end of the film (within approximately 90 minutes), they audaciously complain about a minor plaster spill in their room resulting from the nearby assassination attempt, rather than showing concern for others’ well-being during such a violent incident. To add insult to injury, they even demand that Lisa dismiss Cynthia.

During my time at the grocery store, I’ve rarely encountered customers as challenging as the Taylors. Yet, my past encounters have made me react more intensely to their behavior than some of the questionable actions taken by Rippner.

I Believe The Taylors Are Two Of Red Eye’s Most Important Characters

In the thrilling movie Red Eye, it’s tempting to view Bob and Marianne as mere sources of humor. Yet, I firmly contend that these characters carry substantial weight within the narrative, serving as compelling embodiments of the protagonist’s transformative journey.

At the start of the movie, when Cynthia seeks Lisa’s advice on handling the reservation confusion, Lisa suggests offering the Taylors two free nights in one of the hotel’s most luxurious rooms as a solution. In a fitting conclusion, she instead advises them to complete a comment card that they can then angrily discard or express their dissatisfaction with.

Lisa initially identifies herself as a round-the-clock people pleaser who is indiscriminate in her early interactions with Rippner (prior to truly understanding the genuine Rippner). Yet, following a harrowing encounter with a manipulative wrongdoer, she appears to have undergone a transformation into an individual who refuses to tolerate disrespect from those who do not merit her compassion. The contrast in Lisa’s behavior towards the Taylors beautifully demonstrates this personal growth.

As a movie enthusiast, I recognize some folks may find this thriller misleading due to its marketing. Yet, I must admit it’s one of Wes Craven’s less intense works. However, with its masterful pace, impressive acting from every player involved, and the portrayal of two of the most irritatingly rude characters I’ve ever encountered in a film, I firmly believe that spending time to rewatch Red Eye on Netflix is more than worthwhile, especially if it’s been a while. Even though Cillian Murphy might opt against revisiting it, that doesn’t mean you have to forego the experience too!

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2025-07-13 18:09

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