There is a very specific kind of 1980s thriller that just hits differently. Slick but not empty, political but still deliciously pulpy, No Way Out is one of the best examples of that whole lane. The film remains a favorite because it understands exactly how to trap a charismatic lead inside an increasingly impossible situation and then just keep tightening the screws. Prime subscribers have until March 31 to catch it before it disappears.
Directed by Roger Donaldson, No Way Out stars Kevin Costner as naval officer Tom Farrell, who becomes entangled in a deadly web after the mistress of Defense Secretary David Brice is killed. What follows is a tense Washington-set game of lies, cover-ups, and political self-preservation, with the story turning Farrell into both investigator and target at the same time.
Alongside Costner as Tom Farrell, the cast includes Gene Hackman as David Brice, Sean Young as Susan Atwell, Will Patton as Scott Pritchard, Howard Duff as Duvall, George Dzundza as Sam Hesselman, and Jason Bernard as Major Donovan.
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Is ‘No Way Out’ Worth Watching?
The venerable critic Roger Ebert said No Way Out is the kind of thriller that throws a lot of information at you, but instead of feeling confusing, it pulls you in deeper the more it goes on. The plot is complex, almost like a puzzle you’re trying to piece together, but what really makes it work is how invested you become in the characters. At a certain point, you stop worrying about how everything fits together and just want to see how it all plays out.
Prime subscribers have until March 31 to stream No Way Out.
- Release Date
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August 14, 1987
- Runtime
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114 minutes
- Director
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Roger Donaldson
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Defense Secretary David Brice
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Will Patton
Scott Pritchard
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