Paul Bettany's 2010 action thriller Legion, which sees him portray a heavily-armed archangel descending to Earth, is set to leave Netflix on August 31. The film, which also stars Adrianne Palicki, Dennis Quaid, and Tyrese Gibson, blends Biblical themes with an action-horror premise.
Legion centers on the archangel Michael (Bettany) who falls to Earth, sheds his wings, and equips himself with an arsenal of firearms. His mission is to protect Charlie (Palicki), a waitress and eight months pregnant, whose unborn child is prophesied to be humanity's savior. Michael goes rogue from heaven to defend Charlie and the diner's occupants from hordes of possessed humans attempting to prevent the child's survival.
The movie shares similarities with zombie films but incorporates supernatural and religious elements. One notable scene features a massive swarm of insects used to prevent escape from the diner, creating a memorable set piece. The film's cast, including recognizable actors like Dennis Quaid and Tyrese Gibson, helps elevate the material beyond a standard action flick.
Despite a mixed critical reception, Legion performed adequately at the box office, leading to a two-season Syfy television spinoff titled Dominion in 2014. However, Legion itself has largely faded from public consciousness, potentially due to its genre-defying nature. It occupies a space between intense action and supernatural horror, making it difficult to categorize neatly, which may explain its diminished profile among films.
While not considered a lost classic, Legion is described as a sleeper hit worth revisiting for its unique blend of action, horror, and religious narrative. The film offers a compelling couple of hours of entertainment, fitting the mold of mid-tier theatrical releases that often find a second life in home media or casual viewing.