Collateral

During one late night shift, a Los Angeles cabbie named Max picks up a composed, well-dressed passenger who offers a sizable tip for a few hours of driving. What seems like easy money soon proves perilous when the rider discloses his real occupation and schedule. The ride turns into a tense chess game as Max realizes the fare is a professional killer using his cab as a mobile base of operations. With every mile, the night tightens, forcing him to weigh loyalty, self preservation, and the danger he invites into his life. The city itself becomes a pressure cooker as secrets unfold. With time running out and the city as witness, the ride becomes a pulse quickening test of nerve.

Directed by Michael Mann, Collateral stems from an original screenplay by Stuart Beattie. The Los Angeles set thriller teams Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx in a tight, high tension confrontation, driven by a procedural rhythm and Mann's distinctive visual style.

With a budget of 65 million, Collateral grossed about 220.2 million worldwide, making it a solid commercial success for an early mid 2000s release. The run further cemented Mann's reputation for stylish yet accessible crime drama, signaling strong audience appeal.

Tom Cruise delivers a restrained, chilling performance as Vincent, a killer who keeps his cool in every exchange. Jamie Foxx anchors the film with a weary everyman presence, and Mann's nocturnal Los Angeles visuals helped set a new standard for city thriller aesthetics. The result is a lean, memorable clash.

Critics praised the taut pace and performances, noting how power dynamics and moral choices drive the story. The film examines the pressure tucked into a routine job and how danger shifts ordinary life into a high stakes contest of wit and nerve, leaving a lasting impression for urban thriller fans.