No Good Deed Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A really nice lady lets Idris Elba use her phone, and things escalate when he turns out to be way less charming than his promo shots suggest.

🍿 No Good Deed: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Parole Denial and Escape

The film opens with Colin Evans, portrayed by Idris Elba, attending a parole hearing. He has served five years for manslaughter but is suspected of multiple murders. Despite his seemingly reformed demeanor, the parole board denies his release, deeming him a malignant narcissist. En route back to prison, Colin executes a violent escape, killing both guards.

Encounter with Terri

Terri Granger, played by Taraji P. Henson, is introduced as a stay-at-home mother while her husband, Jeffrey, is away for a trip. A storm rages, and Colin, now a fugitive, appears at Terri’s doorstep, claiming car trouble. Against her better judgment, Terri invites him in to use her phone, setting the stage for a terrifying home invasion.

Escalating Threat and Violence

As the night progresses, Colin’s true nature becomes apparent. Terri’s friend, Meg, visits and is murdered by Colin when she suspects his lies. Terri discovers the danger she is in and attempts to protect her children, leading to a series of intense confrontations and a desperate fight for survival against the increasingly volatile Colin.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Terri (Taraji P. Henson): A former lawyer and stay-at-home mother who must fight for her life when a dangerous escaped convict invades her home.
• Colin (Idris Elba): A charming yet ruthless escaped convict seeking revenge and terrorizing Terri and her children.
• Meg (Leslie Bibb): Terri’s supportive best friend who becomes a victim of Colin’s violent tendencies.
• Jeffrey (Henry Simmons): Terri’s husband, whose infidelity and absence create vulnerability for his family.
• Alexis (Kate del Castillo): Colin’s ex-fiancée, whose infidelity triggers his violent escape and subsequent actions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Colin: “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bother you. I just lost control of my car and wrecked it…” – Colin uses this line to initially gain Terry’s sympathy and access to her home.
• Colin: “Do you think I could use your phone?” – Colin asks Terry to use her phone as a way to get inside her house.
• Terry: “You live around here?” – Terry asks this question to Colin as a way to determine whether she can trust him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13.2M
• Domestic Gross: $52.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $54.3M

💥 No Good Deed Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting a typical thriller, but I was pleasantly surprised! Idris Elba is captivating as the charming yet sinister Colin, and Taraji P. Henson brings a fierce vulnerability to Terry. The scene where Terry realizes the extent of Colin’s deception sent chills down my spine. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid, suspenseful ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. The twist at the end caught me off guard, and it made me appreciate the film more.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of home invasion thrillers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful cat-and-mouse games”
  • “Those looking for a film with a strong female lead”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Threatening situations”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While predictable, ‘No Good Deed’ benefits from strong performances by Elba and Henson. It delivers enough suspense to keep you engaged, even if the plot treads familiar ground. The twists aren’t groundbreaking, but they add a layer of intrigue to a standard home invasion thriller.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Although competently acted, ‘No Good Deed’ suffers from a derivative script and a lack of genuine thrills. The film relies on tired tropes, ultimately offering a forgettable experience despite the talent of its leads. It’s a passable thriller if you’re looking for something undemanding.
• Metacritic: “‘No Good Deed’ is a serviceable thriller that doesn’t quite live up to its potential. Elba’s menacing presence is a highlight, but the film’s reliance on predictable plot points and a lackluster script hold it back from being truly memorable. Good for a one-time watch.

Audience Reactions

Viewers enjoyed Idris Elba’s charismatic villain performance.: Most agreed that Taraji P. Henson delivered a strong, believable performance as a woman fighting for her family.

Many felt the movie was predictable but entertaining enough for a casual watch.: The twist at the end was a point of discussion; some found it clever, others contrived.

Overall Consensus: A predictable but watchable thriller with strong performances from Idris Elba and Taraji P. Henson, though it doesn’t break any new ground.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The term ‘malignant narcissist’ is used to describe Idris Elba’s character by a member of the parole board, Idris uses the same term to describe a suspect in the first episode of ‘Luther’.”
• “Screen Gems delayed the release of the film for two years, indicating a lack of initial confidence in its commercial appeal.”

🖥️ How to Watch No Good Deed?

Currently, “No Good Deed” is available for streaming on platforms like Tubi with ads. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand through services such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed No Good Deed, you might like these similar films:

• Wait Until Dark (1967): Features a woman terrorized in her own home by criminals, focusing on suspense and vulnerability.
• When a Stranger Calls (1979): Deals with themes of home invasion and a woman facing a dangerous stranger, creating intense fear and tension.
• The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992): A psychological thriller where a seemingly harmless character infiltrates a family’s life with malicious intent.
• The Gift (2015): Explores the unease and danger of unexpected intrusions and the unraveling of a seemingly perfect life.

🛒 No Good Deed Related Products

• Idris Elba Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of Idris Elba’s most celebrated performances, including ‘The Mountain Between Us’ and ‘Pacific Rim’. A must-have for any fan of Elba’s intense and diverse acting range.
• Taraji P. Henson: Around the Way Girl: A Memoir: In this inspiring and candid memoir, Taraji P. Henson opens up about her life, career, and the challenges she’s overcome. Hear the story in her own words, filled with humor and wisdom.
• Home Security System with Outdoor Camera: Enhance your home security with a state-of-the-art system featuring a high-definition outdoor camera, motion sensors, and remote access via smartphone. Protect your family and property with advanced technology.
• Thriller Movie Night Popcorn Kit: Create the perfect suspenseful movie atmosphere with this collection of gourmet popcorn flavors. Includes Movie Butter, White Cheddar and Caramel flavors, reusable popcorn tubs, and spooky string lights.

🎧 Soundtrack

No Good Deed features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Let Us Move On” – performed by Dido featuring Kendrick Lamar
• “Main Theme” – performed by Paul Haslinger

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Idris Elba Holds Taraji P. Henson at Gun Point | No Good Deed (2014) | Now Scaring

Want to see Idris Elba at his most menacing? This intense scene with Taraji P. Henson is absolutely gripping – their chemistry is off the charts! You won’t be able to look away.

Keegan-Michael Key – No Good Deed Goes Unpunished – This Is Not Happening

Ever feel like your good intentions backfire spectacularly? Keegan-Michael Key nails that feeling in this hilarious stand-up bit. Seriously, it’s so relatable, you’ll be laughing and cringing at the same time!

Frank – Movie Review

Curious if ‘No Good Deed’ is worth your time? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the movie’s strengths and weaknesses in this insightful review. I always appreciate his honest takes; give it a watch before you decide!

✨ Rate