An overlooked Gerard Butler action thriller is rapidly climbing the Netflix charts this week — even though critics have heavily criticized it. The 2023 film “Kandahar,” where Butler portrays a CIA operative ensnared in dangerous territory, is presently the #2 film in the U.S. This is according to Netflix’s daily Top 10 ranking within the app, reflecting the fact that — although the critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes is a harsh 45% rating, based on over 100 reviews — audiences appear to have largely appreciated it.
Viewers have awarded the film an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with more than 250 verified reviews commending its emotional moments and well-rounded portrayal of the central characters. One fan encapsulated it by stating they “always enjoy a good Gerard Butler movie” and were “delightedly surprised by how much this film resonated with me emotionally.”
That word-of-mouth, along with Butler’s star power, seems to have contributed to “Kandahar” becoming yet another instance of Netflix’s knack for reviving a title that I certainly don’t recall gaining much attention in theaters during its original release.
Why Kandahar is suddenly a Netflix sensation
Netflix’s Top 10 lists, which showcase both TV shows and films, essentially serve as the resurrection agents of the streaming realm, helping various forgotten titles find renewed relevance for a multitude of reasons. A title’s unexpected rise might be attributed more to curiosity than true eagerness, while a recognizable star (like Butler) in a thumbnail can be sufficient to entice viewers to click play even if they are unaware of the film’s content. However, occasionally, that curiosity evolves into authentic appreciation, which seems to be true for “Kandahar.”
Butler brings his well-known gruff action-hero demeanor here, but I’d also contend that “Kandahar” possesses more substance than the typical shoot-’em-up. Set against the backdrop of war-ravaged Afghanistan, Butler plays a covert CIA operative racing to safety “when his identity is revealed,” according to the official Netflix description. And audiences have reacted to that premise by lauding its blend of thrill and emotion. In essence, this one showcases the traits of the kind of mid-budget, mature thriller that is rarely found in theaters these days, yet on Netflix it has discovered renewed vitality and a fresh wave of fans.
As proof of how well it’s faring on the streaming giant at the moment, “Kandahar” (directed by Ric Roman Waugh and penned by Mitchell LaFortune) is also positioned right behind the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” the animated K-pop-themed musical that currently holds the #1 spot and has astonishingly remained in Netflix’s global Top 10 chart for two months since its launch.
