The Contractor

After leaving the U.S. Special Forces, James Harper struggles to support his family. He signs on with a private contracting outfit led by a seasoned veteran, teaming up with his best friend. The small squad travels overseas for a covert mission where every decision matters and the line between protection and profit blurs. Harsh conditions, shifting loyalties, and shadowy orders push the group into a dangerous cat and mouse game with unknown enemies. James uses his training to stay calm under pressure while steering the crew toward a safe return. The goal remains simple: get home to his family, even as the mission grows more precarious. The stakes feel intimate as well as global, and the tension rarely wavers there.

Directed by Tarik Saleh, The Contractor comes from a screenplay by J.P. Davis. Released in 2022, the thriller pairs Chris Pine as James with Kiefer Sutherland as Rusty, joined by Ben Foster, Gillian Jacobs, and Sander Thomas in a package.

Worldwide gross reached $2,122,288, a modest tally that reflects a limited release. The receipts suggest the film found a niche audience among action thriller fans rather than broad mainstream reach, with streaming figures potentially extending its afterlife in some markets.

It may not carve out a lasting cultural footprint, yet it sits in a broader debate about private military contractors and the toll on those who serve. Practical action sequences and homefront vignettes anchor the film while dialogue about pay and loyalty adds texture. For viewers seeking nuance beyond action.

Critics emphasize a restrained tone and solid performances, especially Pine's portrayal of a man balancing duty with love for his family. The film probes loyalty, ethical gray areas in mercenary work, and the cost of choosing a dangerous path when home life hangs in the balance and real world consequences.