Man on Fire Review: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Ignites Netflix’s Explosive New Thriller Series
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Reel Perspectives
May 5, 2026
Man on Fire doesn't just reignite a familiar story, it turns it into a blazing, emotionally charged thriller that feels both modern and timeless. Streaming now on Netflix, the seven-episode debut season arrived with explosive confidence, reimagining A. J. Quinnell's gritty source material for a new era, which absolutely delivers.
The film follows Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as John Creasy, a PTSD scarred former Special Forces soldier navigating grief, guilt, and a burning desire for justice. Abdul-Mateen doesn't just step into the role, he owns it. He brings a striking duality to Creasy - quietly introspective one moment, explosively dangerous the next. There's a quiet volatility to his performance, a simmering pain that erupts into calculated fury when pushed too far. It's a layered, commanding turn that honors the legacy of Denzel Washington's portrayal in the 2004 film while carving out something entirely his own. Abdul-Mateen's Creasy feels raw, human, and terrifyingly focused as a man who has nothing left to lose and everything to avenge.
Guided by creator Kyle Killen and inspired by A. J. Quinnell's novels, the series expands its world by setting the story in Brazil, using its vibrant, dangerous landscape to heighten the stakes. From crowded city streets to shadowy hideouts, every location becomes a character in itself, lush, chaotic, and unforgiving. Each episode builds on the last, weaving conspiracy, betrayal, and pulse-pounding action into a tightly constructed narrative while constantly raising the tension. Each confrontation carries weight because it's rooted in Creasy's grief and his relentless pursuit of justice.
The supporting cast adds further depth, enriching a world filled with shifting alliances and hidden motives. Billie Boullet is very effective as Poe Rayburn, along with Alice Braga as Valeria Melo, Bobby Cannavale as Paul Rayburn, Scoot McNairy as Henry Tappan, Thomás Aquino as Prado Soares, and Paul Ben-Victor as Moncrief.
This Man on Fire doesn't live in the shadow of its predecessor. It's bold, gripping, and powered by an unforgettable lead performance by Abdul-Mateen. This isn't just a one-off adaptation. If this first season is any indication, the fire is just getting started.
Man on Fire is streaming now on Netflix.
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