Idris Elba stars in Apple TV’s “Hijack”. He plays Sam Nelson, an ordinary guy with business negotiating skills who becomes a reluctant hero when he’s trapped on a hijacked flight.
The story is written by George Kay and directed by Jim Field Smith, the show unfolds in real-time during a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. The story begins just before takeoff as Idris Elba’s mysterious character boards the Kingdom Airlines flight, and it concludes shortly after the flight is no longer airborne.
During the flight, five armed individuals hijack the plane, taking control by accessing the cockpit and subduing the captain. They proceed to roam the cabin, loudly instructing passengers to remain seated and avoid any sudden actions.
Sam Nelson is one of the first to realize something is amiss on the flight but is unable to prevent the hijacking.
Barring Idris Elba, the other characters receive limited development, briefly involved in the action before fading into the background, “Hijack” provides glimpses of their lives beyond the flight.
“Hijack” is nothing extraordinary that we haven’t seen so far. It avoids heavy-handed commentary on crime, terrorism, or international relations, instead focusing on nail-biting stress rather than big emotions. The show neither idealizes heroism nor embraces cynicism, maintaining a balanced approach. Right now only 2 episodes are streaming, later episodes will be available every week. You can watch this seven-episode series on Apple TV.
