‘The Vault’ Review- Decent Safe-Cracking Flick

This film was released in 2021.

The Vault is a heist thriller film also known by the title Way Down. It is directed by Jaume Balagueró and was released overseas before making it over to Netflix for a wide release.

Thom (Freddie Highmore) is an engineering student and prodigy who is being pressured to go into big business. He soon meets Walter (Liam Cunningham) and his apprentice Lorraine (Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey), who offer him a job of stealing some pirate treasure that was seized from them by the Spanish government. The problem is, it is stored in the vault of a massive bank whose security chief, Gustavo (José Coronado) has never been outsmarted. Waler meets the rest of the team: strategist James (Sam Riley), computer expert Klaus (Axel Stein), and gearhead Simon (Luis Tosar). They plan to steal it during the World Cup, and as they plan, MI6 Agent Margaret (Famke Janssen) warns Walter that if he is caught, the British government cannot help them.

I did not know what to expect from this movie. The trailers seemed to imply that it would be a nail-biting thriller with a lot of hair-raising tension. They kind of oversold it in that regard. I was not sitting on the edge of my seat, clutching my popcorn. That being said, I actually did enjoy it as a heist flick with some tense moments and close calls to keep you invested in the plot.

It is good to see Freddie Highmore evolve as an actor. From being a child star to being a young Norman Bates, to finally branching out as a young college graduate who joins a heist to recover pirate gold. He does a good job, and hopefully, he can keep on this path because roles like this are good for their career. Likewise, the rest of the cast all do their parts well enough to keep you interested in their development. You root for the protagonists and sneer at the antagonist.

One thing I thought was kind of forced was the MI6 angle. While I am always excited to see Famke Janssen on screen, her character seemed out of place, and I have a feeling she is going to set up a sequel or spin-off.

Bottom line, The Vault has an interesting plot that keeps you hooked. It has an entertaining premise, compelling characters, and it is a good movie to watch with a bowl of popcorn.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Some Foul language

FAVORITE QUOTE: He’s going to mastermind the infiltration.

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review.