Liam Neeson’s New Netflix Film Delivers a Historical Twist on “Taken”

Liam Neeson has spent nearly two decades demonstrating that an action star’s prime is more of a suggestion than a rule.

After his role in *Taken* transformed the Oscar-nominated actor from *Schindler’s List* into an unexpected action hero, Neeson carved out a niche for himself as characters with unique skills and complex backgrounds. He has faced off against criminals on a plane in *Non-Stop*, sought vengeance while driving a snowplow in *Cold Pursuit*, and taken on roles ranging from an ice-road trucker to an aging mob enforcer. Recently, he showcased a different side by diving into comedy with the 2025 reboot of *The Naked Gun*. Yet, one of his standout projects from two years ago is currently making waves, as a 2024 thriller featuring the indefatigable actor climbs the Netflix charts, hitting No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 7 globally.

*In the Land of Saints and Sinners*, an Irish crime thriller, offers a fresh take on the hardened-killer archetype that Neeson has mastered. Set in 1974 Ireland, the film features Neeson as Finbar Murphy, a contract killer residing in the quiet coastal village of Glencolmcille in County Donegal. After years of a violent career, Finbar yearns to leave that life behind and embrace a more peaceful existence.

However, tranquility is short-lived. Following a botched bombing in Belfast, a group of IRA members, led by the ruthless Doireann McCann—played by Kerry Condon, an Oscar nominee for *The Banshees of Inisherin*—flee to Donegal. Their arrival sets the stage for a confrontation with Finbar, compelling him to confront how far he will go to protect those around him and whether he can truly escape his violent past.

While the premise may echo Neeson’s classic roles, *In the Land of Saints and Sinners* leans more towards a Western than a typical revenge flick.

The film also boasts a strong Irish ensemble cast, including Ciarán Hinds (*Belfast*), Colm Meaney (*Layer Cake*), Jack Gleeson (*Game of Thrones*), Sarah Greene (*Bad Sisters*), and Niamh Cusack (*We Live in Time*).

Critically, *In the Land of Saints and Sinners* has fared better than many of Neeson’s recent action films, currently holding an 83% score from critics, with the consensus labeling it “one of the better action thrillers” in his recent filmography. Audience reception has been positive as well, with a 74% score.

At 74, Neeson shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to star alongside Zachary Levi in *The Fix*, an action thriller about former CIA operatives embarking on a perilous rescue mission in Tehran, scheduled for release on Sept. 11.

Following that, on Oct. 30, he returns to familiar ground with *The Mongoose*, portraying a decorated war veteran who, after being wrongfully accused of a crime, leads authorities on a televised cross-country car chase. The film features co-stars Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames, and Michael Chiklis.