Eliminators (2016)

Directed by James Nunn, Eliminators (2016) is a fast-paced, straight-to-video action film that delivers exactly what it promises: brutal hand-to-hand combat, a simple but effective plot, and a relentless game of cat-and-mouse across the streets of London.

The film stars Scott Adkins as Thomas McKenzie, a former U.S. federal agent who has gone into witness protection in the UK to shield his young daughter from the dangerous cartel he once crossed. But when a violent home invasion exposes his identity, Thomas finds himself back on the run—pursued not only by the police but by a ruthless hitman named Bishop, played by WWE wrestler Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett).

What follows is a tightly constructed action chase that doesn’t waste time on unnecessary exposition. The plot is simple: a father must protect his child from a deadly assassin, using every skill in his covert arsenal. The film’s success lies in its straightforward delivery and physical intensity.

Scott Adkins is the clear standout here. Known for his martial arts prowess, Adkins brings an authentic, grounded energy to his fight scenes. Every punch, kick, and throw feels visceral, and his desperate determination to protect his daughter gives the violence real emotional weight. On the other side, Wade Barrett surprises with his icy, no-nonsense portrayal of Bishop—a villain who’s efficient, cruel, and disturbingly methodical.

The film’s low-budget nature is evident in its modest settings and practical effects, but this actually works in its favor. There’s no CGI spectacle or bloated plot twists—just kinetic, close-quarters combat and the urgency of survival. The London setting adds grit and character, with shadowy streets, crowded trains, and dark alleyways giving the action a real-world immediacy.

Critics didn’t necessarily hail Eliminators as groundbreaking, but within the action genre—particularly the niche of underground fight thrillers—it earns respect for its no-nonsense tone, clean choreography, and tightly edited pacing. It knows what it is and delivers on that promise.