Alarum
takes a promising cast and creates an unappealing spy movie that struggles to make sense of itself from one moment to the next. The action thriller genre doesn’t require much to deliver a satisfying project. However, to make one that stands out, the movie must have some compelling action and a unique story. Alarum has neither.

Alarum tells the story of two spies who were formerly pitted against each other but found love instead. Years after fleeing his agency, Joe is now celebrating his honeymoon with his wife, who remains a part of her organization. But when a mysterious hard drive with undisclosed data falls out of the sky near their cabin, the couple gets tied up in an all-out battle between different intelligence agencies.

Alarum Has A Promising Premise & Cast List

While the star-crossed lovers story in spy thrillers has been played out numerous times, it can be a source of powerful and dramatic storytelling. Unfortunately, Alarum doesn’t achieve that status. Part of the reason it fails to get the romantic side right is down to the fact that Joe (Scott Eastwood) and Laura (Willa Fitzgerald) have very little interaction with each other in the film — they spend most of the time separated. And yet both actors are, by far, the best thing about the actioner. Their chemistry is strong despite Alarum not properly capitalizing on it.

Instead, the film relies on the star power of Sylvester Stallone and Mike Colter, who play active agents for competing agencies. While Stallone may not be the best actor, given the right role and direction, he can deliver compelling and emotional performances. Here, Stallone has a truly aimless script, and what appears to be a complete lack of direction or vision for his character. Colter, on the other hand, plays an intimidating villain, but again, the character is inconsistent and poorly developed.

All of this together gives the impression that, in different hands and with a little more refinement and direction, Alarum could have been and done so much more. What we get instead is a film that is laughably bad at times, with acting that is rigid, wooden, and senseless throughout. This is particularly true of scenes where characters act out their deaths in a manner that appears more like someone stumbling out of a bar after having one too many drinks. The result is a movie that fails to hit the mark and leaves a complete mess in its wake.

Alarum Could Have Used Another Pᴀss At Every Turn

In general, the dialogue and interactions between the characters, outside of Joe and Laura, are deeply flawed. Scenes move slowly and characters engage in ways that feel awkward and forced. The performances from several members of the cast, including big names, feel more like an awkward table read. In several instances, another draft, or another take, would have been incredibly useful.

The story itself tries to explore clever twists and includes intense moments where big reveals or tragedies play out, but none of them land. There is no room to feel shocked or like a character has earned their moment. Simultaneously, other characters and storylines seemingly disappear without a trace, making the entire film feel redundant and the conclusion deeply unsatisfying. Alarum may be an indie film, but with the talent, experience, and financial backing, this movie could have done so much more.

The entire plot ultimately adds up to nothing. Despite setting up a mysterious data drive and having competing intelligence agencies, everything feels worthless. This is only reinforced by the film’s end when, once again, the stakes intended to lift the movie and create a thrilling environment prove to be meaningless. Alarum fails on all counts, and the few positives aren’t successful in bringing the movie out of the gutter.

Alarum is now in theaters and available on demand and digital. The film is 95 minutes long and rated R for strong violence and language.