Popcorn is ready, the lights dim, and the thrill of a mid-2000s thriller hums through the veins of cinema nostalgia. Netflix’s vault of long-forgotten suspense beckons, promising thrills for anyone willing to dive in.

Every pulse-pounding moment owes its magic to actors like Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams, who could make even a paper airplane feel menacing. Among these cinematic relics, their pairing stands out, not for plot twists but for the playful chemistry that quietly stole the spotlight.

While the film promised thrills, the real story lay in the chemistry between the leads, a magnetic push-and-pull that kept cameras rolling.

Cillian Murphy looked back at his 2005 thriller Red Eye and admitted the movie had its misfires, but made it clear the problem was never Rachel McAdams. From the very start, he insisted she was a joy on set, even when the script wobbled.

“I love Rachel McAdams and we had fun making it. But I don’t think it’s a good movie. It’s a good B movie. I think it’s the duality of it. That two thing. The nice guy and the bad guy in one. The only reason it appealed to me is you could do that. That turn, you know?" the 49-year-old actor said in a February 2024 GQ cover story.

McAdams also reflected in GQ about the on-set camaraderie with Murphy, describing long hours filled with music, crossword puzzles, and playful banter that made the thriller feel less tense and more like a cleverly disguised sleepover.

Off-camera, McAdams said Murphy radiated magnetic charm and effortless approachability. She recalled fans endlessly speculating about his eyes and whether he wore contact lenses, a minor obsession that amplified the intrigue surrounding him after the movie.

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While their chemistry carried the moments, the film itself quietly carved a niche as a sleeper hit, proving that box office numbers sometimes follow sheer on-screen charisma.

Despite Cillian Murphy’s own reservations, Red Eye performed solidly at the box office, grossing nearly $100 million worldwide on a $26 million budget. Opening at #2 behind The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the film earned its reputation through word-of-mouth rather than a massive marketing push.

Critics praised the tense atmosphere on the plane and Rachel McAdams’ compelling performance. The thriller, now considered a mid-2000s favorite, helped cement both Murphy and McAdams as bankable stars in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.

For those revisiting this suspenseful gem, Red Eye landed in Netflix’s drama vault by mid-2025 and often appears in the platform’s trending top 10. Paramount+ also carries the film, honoring its DreamWorks/Paramount origins.

Fans can rent or purchase it in 4K via Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play, or watch anytime on demand, while collectors can celebrate its 20th anniversary with a remastered 4K Blu-ray.

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What are your thoughts on Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams' early cinematic magic? Let us know in the comments below.