Netflix Movie Review: Velocity Zero (2025)
Velocity Zero is an adrenaline-fueled, sci-fi action film that combines the intensity of a speed thriller with the futuristic intrigue of a cyberpunk world. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Speed collided with Snowpiercer in a Tokyo dystopia, this film has you covered.
In the near future, Japan introduces the revolutionary Shinkansen-X, a maglev train that will change the way the world travels—until a hacker group known as KuroKage takes control of the AI system and wires a bomb into the train’s core. The twist: if the train’s speed drops below 600 km/h, the bomb goes off.
What Works:
Rinko Kikuchi gives a captivating performance as Ayaka Mori, a former cyber detective who’s thrust into a life-or-death mission. She brings both grit and vulnerability to her character, anchoring the film emotionally.
The visual effects are top-notch, particularly the intense explosion sequence in the middle of the train. The high-stakes destruction is both thrilling and jaw-dropping.
The pacing is superb. The film’s real-time tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering if the train will make it to its destination—or if it’s all going to end in a fiery explosion.
The screenplay cleverly tackles themes like government secrecy, AI ethics, and the human cost of technology while maintaining its action-heavy focus.
What Doesn’t:
Some of the supporting characters, such as the politician (Takuya Sano), could’ve been given more screen time and development to enhance their roles in the story.
A few tech-heavy dialogues could alienate those not familiar with the cyberpunk genre or AI terminology.
The reveal of Specter, the mastermind behind the plot, doesn’t quite land as emotionally hard as it could have, leaving some of the stakes feeling a bit distant.
Standout Scene:
The explosion in the middle of the train—shot in a tight, claustrophobic tunnel—is absolutely unforgettable. The combination of chaos, fire, and disorientation during this moment sets a new bar for train disaster scenes in film.
Final Verdict:
Velocity Zero is an engaging and stylish thriller that expertly balances action, suspense, and emotional depth. It’s more than just a race against time; it’s a compelling journey that tackles the ethical and personal costs of technology in a world driven by speed.
Stream it if you enjoy:
- The Dark Knight
- The Fugitive
- Edge of Tomorrow
- Black Mirror
Main Cast of Velocity Zero (2025)
Ayaka Mori
- Actor: Rinko Kikuchi
- Role: The lead character; a former detective turned cybersecurity expert
- Purpose in Story: Forced into a high-stakes situation, Ayaka must break into the Shinkansen-X’s systems to stop a bomb and uncover a government conspiracy she never expected to face.
Specter (Dr. Renji Takeda)
- Actor: Takeshi Kaneshiro
- Role: The main antagonist; leader of the underground hacker group KuroKage
- Purpose in Story: A brilliant former AI engineer, now seeking revenge and justice by revealing the sinister military purpose behind the train’s technology.
Takuya Sano
- Actor: Hiroshi Tamaki
- Role: A high-ranking politician and director of the Maglev Defense Initiative
- Purpose in Story: Although outwardly a public champion for innovation, Sano secretly pushes for the weaponization of the maglev train tech, playing a crucial role in the unfolding conspiracy.
Kaede Ishikawa
- Actor: Kiko Mizuhara
- Role: AI specialist and former collaborator of Specter
- Purpose in Story: As the train’s AI begins to malfunction, Kaede becomes an unexpected ally for Ayaka, aiding in navigating the train’s systems and finding a way to stop the impending disaster.
Leo Nishida
- Actor: Tadanobu Asano
- Role: A bold and charismatic journalist with a keen eye for uncovering corruption
- Purpose in Story: With a reputation for stirring controversy, Leo finds himself in the middle of a real-life crisis, pushing the narrative forward and escalating the stakes as the story unfolds.
Naomi Fujimoto
- Actor: Masami Nagasawa
- Role: An undercover agent working for a secretive government faction
- Purpose in Story: Caught between duty and morality, Naomi’s allegiances are tested as she discovers the full extent of the conspiracy, and she may ultimately align with Ayaka in a bid to stop the train’s descent into chaos.
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