Kate Beckinsale Scratches Up Some Clichéd but Harmless Fun in "Wildcat"

Kate Beckinsale continues her trend of mid-budget action films in “Wildcat,” produced by Aura Entertainment. James Nunn directs the film, which is based on a script by Dominic Burns.

Some movies don’t aim to revolutionize the action genre; instead, they just want to deliver some excitement and let you have a good time. "Wildcat" comfortably fits into this category. It may be cliché, predictable, and familiar, but honestly? It’s also harmless fun.

Kate Beckinsale stars as Ada Williams, an ex-Special Forces operative who is pulled back into action when her daughter Charlotte is kidnapped due to the reckless actions of her brother, Edward. Rasmus Hardiker portrays Edward with the perfect blend of guilt, desperation, and an essence that screams “this guy is a liability,” keeping the sibling dynamics lively without overshadowing Beckinsale.

When Ada decides to reunite with her former teammates, the movie hits its stride. Lewis Tan joins the cast as her former comrade, infusing charm and skill into every fight scene. The natural chemistry between Tan and Beckinsale gives the action sequences an exhilarating boost. To add further credibility, Charles Dance makes an appearance. Although he doesn’t play a significant role, his presence lends instant credibility—like adding a splash of truffle oil to fries.

The plot revolves around the classic "timer-on-the-bomb" scenario: Ada and her team must navigate a city plunging into chaos to rescue Charlotte before she disappears into the criminal underworld. You’ve seen variations of this storyline countless times, and "Wildcat" fully embraces its genre roots. The twists are predictable, the villains are archetypes straight out of an "Action Movie Starter Pack," and the stakes play out just as you’d expect.

However, it's hard to feel frustrated with a film that knows precisely what it is. "Wildcat" never pretends to be profound or groundbreaking. Instead, it revels in intense hand-to-hand combat, swift pacing, and the sheer enjoyment of watching Beckinsale deliver action like it's second nature.

With a brisk runtime, the film never overstays its welcome. It’s the kind of late-night movie you can casually watch, enjoy for what it is, and move on from without feeling cheated. "Wildcat" may be a cliché, but it’s a fun one—and sometimes, that’s all you really need.

Final Grade: B-

“Wildcat” is currently in select theaters and available on demand/digital.