The Grey poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts, Joe Anderson ... see more see more... , James Badge Dale , Nonso Anozie , Ben Bray , Anne Openshaw , Peter Girges Dureyshevar , Jonathan James Bitonti , James Bitonti , Ella Kosor , Jacob Blair , Lani Gelera , Larissa Stadnichuk

In The Grey, Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have onl... read more read more...y a few days to escape the icy elements - and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt - before their time runs out. -- (C) Open Road Films

Flixster Users

66% liked it

57,945 ratings

Critics

79% liked it

179 critics

R, 1 hr. 18 min.

Directed by: Joe Carnahan

Release Date: January 27, 2012

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: May 15, 2012

Get It:

Stats: 5,795 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

None yet... Got one?

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (5,795)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    May 26, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    A thrilling, exciting survival horror thriller, The Grey is brilliantly directed by Joe Carnahan. This is a film that has a lot of tense, thrilling, horrifying moments. The Grey is a slow paced film that takes time to build up, but every moment is harrowing and it makes The Grey ... read morea unique tale of survival horror, one that is designed to give the viewer an intense viewing experience. Liam Neeson is always great to watch on-screen. What made this film so good were the tense, harrowing sequences of survival that elevated the film significantly. The film is constantly entertaining, although slow, there's always a sense of uncertainty that lingers throughout the film. The Grey is a terrific survival horror thriller with a good cast of actors, an engaging story and very good directing, The Grey is a must see for horror fans. What makes this film really stand out is that there's never any point throughout the film where the characters feel safe and get a break. There's always that feeling of dread throughout the film, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat till the very end. If you're looking for an effective survival horror film, The Grey is the one. Although not perfect, this film still has enough good elements to thrill you for two hours. An intense ride from beginning to end, The Grey is a well made survival horror film that delivers nonstop thrills. The Grey is a different type of survival horror, and is a welcome addition to the genre.
  • stuartb1234
    May 25, 2012
    stuartb1234
    Very white, very cold and very boring. Liam Neeson seems to spend all of his time remaking "Taken" but in a different setting. This time it's the Wolves who are the badies he must punch. Should have been better, could have been good. In the end it's just dull.
  • katykern8261
    May 22, 2012
    katykern8261
    Question: Does anyone know why Liam's Neeson's latest movie is called The Grey?

    I recently saw The Grey and usually I write my reviews on the same day or relatively close to the viewing. However, this film, although excellent, is a hard one to write about. Why? Well, I ask the... read more first question above. There is no mention on the color grey in the movie so there is not an immediate reason on why it's called that. So I have a theory that took me a while to construct in my mind. Indulge me for a moment...

    The film starts out with Liam Neeson's character writing a letter. His words are softly spoken in his native Irish accent. There is a deep emotional tone to the letter that drew me right into the story. Who the letter is to exactly is unclear, but it is obviously to someone he loves dearly. (I read later that the director asked Liam Neeson to write the letter in real life - use his own words to tell how much he loved his real life wife - the late Natasha Richardson). There is a longing and sadness connected to his words but yet still no mention of the color grey. I really thought I was about to see just a wilderness survival story according to the previews but The Grey, as I found out very quickly, had a profoundly different message.

    There are two things certain in this world: You are born and you die. That is it! Everything in between is really a toss-up. Life and death are the only black and white things in this world; and since I studied a lot of color theory being an interior designer for two decades, color or the lack of color takes on deep meaning to me. You are born pure and innocent. As you age, the innocence becomes muddied with life experiences. Is that a bad thing? Well, it depends on how you live your life, I suppose. Everything then fades to black when life ends. I guess you could connect evil and good to black and white but that is not what I found to be hidden in the film.

    The Grey represents life when you are faced with death and surviving is all that matters. Well, I should tell you a bit more about the film. After the letter is written we find out the story takes place in Alaska with oil-drillers and their exit out. A band of rough-around-the-edges crew all board a plane but there is a crash and the survivors are faced with the task of surviving the cold, injuries and a pack of wolves that have no fear of humans.

    Some of the story was predictable - the group of men that survived had to figure out who was the leader (alpha) and who should follow him (omega). Just like the pack of wolves that surround these men, in the hierarchy in any group someone steps forward to lead and some always fight or disagree because they do not want to be led. Animals and humans are very similar and The Grey equates the two species just trying to survive, mentally and physically.

    Yes, the movie had some extreme violence, strong emotional moments and harrowing details that make you squirm. I had my hands over my eyes a few times, and felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up, but when the movie comes to the conclusion I was left emotionally drained. Not so much with the blood and guts of the film but the meaning of this film that was conveyed. The Grey is NOT a typical Hollywood film and you must keep your heart open to obtain the message.

    Liam Neeson was fantastic in The Grey - maybe his best acting to date. Yes, I mean it. When you watch this film, pay close attention to the opening letter and keep it in the back of your mind throughout the film. As I already mentioned, this movie was not just a plane crash/survival story but a human struggle fable. Based on the short story, "Ghost Walker" by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers, who also co-wrote the screenplay with the director.

    Last point: I loved the ending. With some of my research I discovered many did not, but for someone who sees a lot of films I felt this was the appropriate way to end the story. Well done.

    My favorite part: Liam Neeson.

    My lease favorite part: Not sure I can pinpoint anything.

    Directed by Joe Carnahan, 1984 Private Defense Contractors, 2012

    Starring: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts, Nonso Anozie, and Joe Anderson.

    Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

    Rating: R

    Length: 117 minutes

    Review: 8 out of 10
  • drcamyo
    May 22, 2012
    drcamyo
    The Grey is a very gritty survival film. But who knew it would have such an emotional lift underneath? With a premise such as "survive wolves and the cold" you'd think thats all there is. But no. The film has more to it. The characters are really well written and Liam Neeson's ch... read morearacter is straight forward yet believable. Everything is going against these group of people, as it does in every good survival thriller/drama. It's slow and tense. The film shows that the survivors can not underestimate the wolves. Which creates intense scenes full of suspense. The film balances character development while focusing on survival, which makes it feel real. The gritty shooting of the film works, but at times the cinematography can be a bit confusing and overbearing. But at least there isn't too much shaky cam. Overall- Great characters, well written and intense, yet slow. The Grey is a powerful film of survival and not losing hope, even in the darkest of situations.
  • CloudStrife84
    May 9, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    Frosty survival thriller, with a superb Liam Neeson! Very reminiscent of the movie "Alive", except here they don't resort to munching on the second pilot. Set in the harsh landscapes of the Alaskan wilderness, we follow a group of plane crash survivors, as they struggle against t... read morehe elements and unforgiving weather conditions - which is only worsened later on when a pack of wolves pick up their scent and go on the prowl to hunt them down. You can always count on Neeson to fight to the last breath though (he is, after all, the guy who trained both Batman and Obi-Wan Kenobi). His fully-fledged performance as oil driller John Ottway, makes the "The Grey" anything but dull and dramatically colorless. In terms of negatives, however, there were a few things that kept the film from greatness. One is the anti-climactic ending, which wrapped things up in a rather disappointing fashion. There was also a repeated sensation of déjà vu, as it follows all the typical clichés of other man vs. nature films. A re-hash without much originality. Regardless of this though, it remains a tight, suspenseful and skillfully directed action-drama, that keeps you at the edge of your seat for its entire duration. And if you didn't before appreciate the luxuries of a warm, cozy bed, I can personally guarantee that you will after this.
  • hobster1
    May 9, 2012
    hobster1
    The Grey isn't a bad picture, but it isn't a great one either. There's really nothing in it that pushes this past an entertaining diversion of the man vs. nature variety. We have an aircraft that bites the dust in a desolate area with a gang of oilmen aboard. It's up to the survi... read morevors to maintain order and survive in grueling conditions of nature. A film should be judged on its own merits but comparisons here are unavoidable. I kept thinking of other movies while watching this: Deliverance, Never Cry Wolf, The Edge, Into the Wild. 1965?s The Flight of the Phoenix with James Stewart had the same basic setup. But where that classic took the narrative in a wholly original direction, The Grey is content to depict a tale that is decidedly less inventive. Any production that recalls earlier efforts, should strive to be better. Where The Grey succeeds, is the care it takes to develop realistic people. It's barely an action film. Call it a character study. It exhibits remarkable humanity. At one point faithful John curses God out of frustration. His "Oh why God, why?!" moment is kind of a novelty in an adventure of this sort. These days, I suppose any flick that tries to balance drama with action is something of a anomaly. I'll give The Grey points for that....oh and a plane crash that will make me think twice the next time I board a plane.
  • Crashinkov
    April 3, 2012
    Crashinkov
    I've enjoyed this tense thriller drama, it's made nerves through many scenes, but I little bit annoyed by the way the movie ends, I think they could find a better one.
  • PedroPauloA
    March 27, 2012
    PedroPauloA
    Live or Die on This Day

    Grey

    Honestly I am a huge fan of wolfs, of Liam Neeson, and of survival movies. However there was something missing in The Grey. It still is a strong film, done in an interesting style, but there is just something missing that holds it back... read more from being incredible.

    The Grey is a dynamic film. It tells the story of a group of oil-rig ex cons that are victims of a plane crash. The ones who survive, wake up in the middle of the Alaskan snow storm, and not only do they have to survive the cold, they have to fight the wolfs that ground the area.

    I think the major flaw of The Grey lies in its repetitiveness. The movie lasts almost two hours but I am sure it could have worked with a one hour range. I think that is the major problem that this movie has. Because either than that the movie is great. It has a beautiful score, awesome acting, and innovative and experimental shots that make the movie aesthetically original.

    Joe Carnahan did an excellent job in terms of originality. This isn't your typical Jurassic Park survivor movie. Carnahan maintains a almost grey, for a lack of better work, aspect to the movie. He takes his time, which could be a flaw, but in some scenes are necessary, to really highlight the struggle of the survivors. He uses long one-shot scenes and the movie is far from any blockbuster film. For this reason I really like it.

    The Grey turned out to be a good film. It is original, the make up is excellent, and so is the score and acting. Carnahan does an incredible job in being innovative. Nevertheless there is a something missing in it, and I think you will only be able to see it once you watch it. So go ahead.

    Ottway's Wife: " Don't be afraid. "
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    March 26, 2012
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Live or Die on This Day

    Good movie! The movie was good and interesting but left me wanting for more, I very much enjoyed it but didn't like the ending at all.

    Watch Liam Neeson as an unlikely hero who is forced to lead a group of roughneck guys in their fight to survive and re... read moreturn home when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling injuries and merciless weather, the men must escape the icy elements and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt before their time runs out.
  • aquateen2
    March 4, 2012
    aquateen2
    Never have I been drawn into the environments of a film like The Grey in a long time. I was expecting a forgetable survival thriller but what I was given was a whole lot more. The Grey is skilfully directed and mixes dumb but genuine thrills with debatable philosophy. It's also q... read moreuite psychological and I absolutely adored the character development. It's quite unexpected in everything it does and that's what pulls it from it's B movie tones and turns it top quality. Some people (like the person I went with) might not appreciate it's depth and study like I did but it's solid, scary and emotionally tragic all at the same time. Dont be put off, it may have a cheesy title and a ludicrous plot but guess what? In it's own enigmatic way, it's absolutely terrifying.

View All The Grey Reviews

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore
March 23, 2012
Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

I couldn't decide if they lost track of the wolves in the editing, or if Carnahan realized how Twilight-fake the beasts looked and limited their scenes in the final edit. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 31, 2012
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The Grey is about raging against the dying of the light but also about accepting it with peace once the fight has been lost. Full Review

Laremy Legel
January 30, 2012
Laremy Legel, Film.com

Three-fifths of a solid film! Full Review

David Edelstein
January 30, 2012
David Edelstein, New York Magazine

The Grey, despite moments of sublimity, is as predictable as a funeral. When Ottway angrily calls out to God, the nonanswer is sadly redundant. Full Review

Stephen Whitty
January 27, 2012
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

Somewhere along the line, apparently, it was decided that having men fight for their lives is not enough to hang a movie on. It has to be a movie about Big Ideas. Full Review

Peter Travers
January 27, 2012
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Hold on tight. It's a true call of the wild. Full Review

Tom Long
January 27, 2012
Tom Long, Detroit News

"The Grey" may appeal to those who like entrails, tough talk and bad endings. All others beware. Full Review

Rafer Guzman
January 27, 2012
Rafer Guzman, Newsday

The film's conflicting tones never quite mesh, but some fine acting and powerful moments make "The Grey" watchable, if not entirely compelling. Full Review

Kyle Smith
January 27, 2012
Kyle Smith, New York Post

It may be too conventional for the art-house crowd, yet too arty for the megaplex. I prefer to call it an unusually reflective blood-and-guts saga. Full Review

Liam Lacey
January 27, 2012
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

The film sustains some suspense and brooding atmosphere for its first half, but eventually the clichés of character and dialogue drag it struggling to ground. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Way Back
    The Way Back (0%)
  • Batoru rowaiaru II: Chinkonka (Battle Royale II)
    Batoru rowaiaru II: Chinkonka (Battle Royale ... (100%)
  • Frozen
    Frozen (100%)
  • Taken
    Taken (50%)

More Movies like The Grey

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Diaz: This is fuck city, population five and dwindling.
    • Ottway: Do something...do something. You faulty prick, fraudulent motherfucker. DO SOMETHING! FUCK FAITH! EARN IT! SHOW ME SOMETHING REAL! I NEED IT NOW, NOT LATER! Do something and I'll believe in you until the day I die, I swear. I'm calling on you, I'M CALLING ON YOU! Fuck it, I'll do it myself.
    • Flannery: My head is fucked my leg is fucked! Aw fuck!
    • Ottway: Don't worry ok? It's good that it hurts.
    • Flannery: It's good? Then I'm fucking fabulous!
    • Cimoski: Help me! OK .. something's wrong, somethings really, really wrong .. i don't feel right .. this doesn't ..
    • Ottway: You're gonna die. That's what's happening.
    • Cimoski: No no no no no .. hold on, hold on, hold on ..
    • Ottway: It's OK. Look at me. Keep looking at me. It's alright. It'll slide over you. It'll start to feel warm. Nice and warm. Let it move over you. Let your thoughts go. All the good things. All the good things. Yeah. Who do you love? Who do you love?
    • Cimoski: Rosie ..
    • Ottway: Is she your daughter? Let her take you then.
    • Cimoski: note: i don't know the name of the guy who died in this scene but it was my favorite part, so i just put cimoski although i know it's probably wrong.
    • Hernandez: Are there people dead?
    • Ottway: Yes.
    • Ottway: No Mas.
Submit a Fact | View All

The Grey : Watch Free on TV

The Grey Trivia

  • Who was Wolverine/Logan's main love interest in the X-men movies?  Answer »
  • In The Lord of The Rings trilogy, the Undying Lands can only be accessed from where?  Answer »
  • What's the name of the actress who stars in Dirty Dancing?  Answer »
  • Where was Frodo Baggins Final Destination in the Lorn of The Rings Trilogy  Answer »
More The Grey Trivia

Movie Quizzes

No quizzes for The Grey. Want to create one?

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All The Grey Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add The Grey to favorites

Recent News

No recent headlines. Got one?

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?