Chris Pine Stars in 'The Contractor': A High-Stakes Action Thriller of Betrayal and Redemption – Now Streaming on Lionsgate Play

In The Contractor, Chris Pine delivers a powerhouse performance in this high-stakes action thriller where loyalty, betrayal, and redemption collide.

Directed by Tarik Saleh, the film explores the thin line between honor and deceit, set against a backdrop of intense action and moral ambiguity.

A Discharged Soldier’s Fight for Survival

James Harper (Chris Pine) is a man at a crossroads. Discharged from the U.S. Special Forces under mysterious circumstances, Harper finds himself unemployed, drowning in debt, and struggling to provide for his family. Faced with a desperate situation, he accepts an offer to join a private security firm led by a calculating contractor-in-chief (Kiefer Sutherland). The job promises to be precise, professional, and driven by national security concerns.

When Harper teams up with his best friend, Mike (Ben Foster), the two are assigned to infiltrate a Berlin-based lab linked to a high-stakes covert operation. What seems like a straightforward mission soon turns deadly, as Harper is betrayed and left to fend for his life. In a race against time, he must unravel layers of deception while trying to survive and protect those he loves.

A Film of Paranoia, Action, and Betrayal

The Contractor pulls viewers into a world of constant danger, betrayal, and moral conflict. Drawing comparisons to classic '70s-era paranoia thrillers and modern action films like The Bourne Identity, the film’s brutal fight sequences and sleek pacing create an unflinching portrayal of the high price of clandestine operations. Swedish director Tarik Saleh brings an intensity to the narrative that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, showcasing the toll of loyalty and exploitation in a world of covert missions.

The film also highlights the struggles of military veterans, particularly those like Harper, who are discarded after their service. The Contractor explores the emotional and psychological toll of transitioning from war zones to civilian life, echoing the broader societal issues surrounding the treatment of veterans.

Themes of Loyalty, Exploitation, and the Human Cost of War

Chris Pine's portrayal of James Harper is deeply resonant, capturing the internal conflict and emotional turmoil of a man pushed to his limits. Pine hopes that audiences will reflect on the broader issues surrounding veterans, saying, "I want people to think about what we do to our veterans and how we treat them. What we do to men and women who we train to kill after their time in war zones are over. The mental health of our veterans, the ideas of freedom, democracy, and what it means to be an American.”

The film also underscores the emotional bond between Harper and his best friend Mike, played by Ben Foster. The duo’s third collaboration, The Contractor offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their real-life friendship, with Foster expressing, "It's a joy to work with people you dig and respect, and it's really nice when you don't have to make up caring about somebody."

Don’t Miss 'The Contractor' – Now Streaming on Lionsgate Play

With its thrilling action sequences, emotional depth, and sharp exploration of loyalty and betrayal, The Contractor is a must-watch film. Stream it now on Lionsgate Play and immerse yourself in the relentless world of James Harper as he fights for survival and redemption in a high-stakes battle against those who betrayed him.

Keywords: Chris Pine, The Contractor, action thriller, redemption, betrayal, Kiefer Sutherland, Ben Foster, Lionsgate Play, military veterans, loyalty, survival, streaming film.