Liam Neeson stars in cross-country chase film The Mongoose

Liam Neeson leads the cast of The Mongoose, a new action film that pairs a veteran protagonist with a high-performance vehicle in a national pursuit. The movie is directed by Mark Vanselow, who makes his feature debut on the project. It combines elements of classic fugitive thrillers with a tribute to military service.

Neeson plays Ryan Flanagan, a Special Forces commander captured in Afghanistan in 2005. He escaped captivity with two comrades, but one soldier died during the escape. Twenty years later, Flanagan is divorced and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He is called to an Arkansas mansion to retrieve his ex-wife Tara's belongings after she is abused by her boyfriend, a lawyer named Todd.

Todd confronts Flanagan with a gun upon his arrival. A struggle ensues, resulting in Todd's death. Flanagan escapes in a red Shelby Super Snake after his tires are slashed. He is pursued by James Tilton, a former Marine leading the local police effort. The chase continues into Texas, where Major Walter Pope takes command of the manhunt with orders to apprehend Flanagan at any cost.

Flanagan relies on his former soldiers Tanker and Munch, as well as the car's AI assistant Helene, to evade capture. CNN anchor Laura Coates covers the story in real time. Her reporting generates public sympathy for Flanagan, turning him into a folk hero as the police close in. The film uses a flashback structure to reveal the backstory behind the chase.

The supporting cast includes Marisa Tomei as Tara, Ving Rhames as Tanker, and Michael Chiklis as Major Pope. Tomei appears in scenes depicting the divorce and subsequent interactions with Flanagan. Rhames and Marcus Thomas play the soldiers assisting in the escape. Chiklis portrays a antagonist who uses force to achieve his goals.

The screenplay was written by Thompson Evans. It positions Flanagan as a clear hero who is widely respected by those he encounters. The narrative emphasizes his military background and the public's reaction to his flight. The film features vehicle-based action sequences designed by Vanselow.

The Mongoose premiered in 2026. It is produced with a focus on action set pieces and a red sports car. The story concludes with Flanagan's fate being implied through public opinion rather than a definitive final scene. The film runs without a traditional climax in the court of public opinion.