Photo credit: movieweb.com
One of the most overlooked action thrillers in recent memory is making its way to Netflix. The streaming service has garnered attention for its impressive action lineup, including titles like Rebel Ridge, The Shadow Strays, Carry-On, and Tom Hardy’s Havoc, catering to audiences craving high-octane thrills. It’s exciting to see a 2011 gem finally get the spotlight it deserves.
Part action-packed thriller and part coming-of-age story, Hanna features the talented Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan as the titular character. Raised in the unforgiving Finnish wilderness by her father, a former CIA agent portrayed by Eric Bana, Hanna’s journey is one of survival and revenge. Directed by Joe Wright and featuring a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, and John Macmillan, the film explores Hanna’s emotional odyssey as she embarks on her first mission into a complex world.
Accompanied by an energizing soundtrack from The Chemical Brothers, Hanna stands out as a unique offering in the action film genre, and it will be available for streaming on Netflix starting May 1, 2025. Below is the official synopsis:
“Raised by her father (Eric Bana) in the Finnish wilderness, teenage Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) has trained all her life to be the perfect assassin. Her father sends her on a mission, and she stealthily makes her way across Europe while evading agents sent after her by a ruthless operative named Marissa (Cate Blanchett), who once worked with Hanna’s father. As she draws closer to her target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and begins to question her humanity.”
‘Hanna’ Deserves Far More Recognition for Its Action Prowess
Upon its release, Hanna received a mix of positive reviews from critics and viewers, achieving scores of 71% and 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively. However, these ratings underestimate the film’s contributions as a revenge thriller laden with strong performances, artfully choreographed action sequences, and a captivating coolness that is rare in contemporary cinema.
In one of her early roles, Saoirse Ronan showcased her acting prowess, setting the stage for a prolific career that has included acclaimed films across various genres, such as Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women. Ronan’s remarkable talent has garnered her multiple Oscar nominations, solidifying her status as a formidable actress.
The legacy of Hanna has continued beyond the film, with Amazon Prime Video adapting the story into a successful television series. Spanning three seasons, the series follows Hanna as she seeks to unravel her identity and the true purpose of her training. Starring Esme Creed-Miles as Hanna and featuring Joel Kinnaman and Mireille Enos, the series received acclaim and currently holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Release Date
April 7, 2011
Runtime
111 Minutes
Source
movieweb.com