Push (2009)

**Push (2009)** *Push* plunges viewers into a thrilling world where psychic abilities are real, and a clandestine government agency, Division, seeks to control them. The narrative centers on Nick Gant (Chris Evans), whose life is irrevocably altered after his assassin father is brutally murdered by Division operatives. Driven by a burning desire for revenge, Nick retreats into the shadowy, neon-lit underworld of Hong Kong, determined to dismantle the organization that ruined his life. There, he begins to assemble a motley crew of rogue psychics, each with their own unique and often dangerous abilities, united by their shared animosity towards Division and its unethical experiments. The stakes escalate with the arrival of Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning), a powerful, precocious teenage clairvoyant whose visions push Nick and his team into immediate action. Together, they embark on a high-stakes mission to locate a missing girl and recover a stolen suitcase – a mysterious object believed to hold the key to enhancing psychic powers and potentially turning the tide against Division. As they navigate a treacherous landscape of double-crosses and psychic duels, Nick and Cassie must outwit Division's most ruthless "Pushers" and "Watchers" in a race against time, where their very survival, and the future of all psychics, hangs in the balance. *** *Push* earns its place on a "Best Paul McGuigan Movies" list because it perfectly encapsulates so many of his directorial strengths and stylistic signatures, even if it wasn't a massive box office hit. McGuigan's distinctive visual flair is immediately apparent, as he transforms Hong Kong into a vibrant, almost labyrinthine character in itself; the gritty urban aesthetic, infused with neon glows and kinetic action, is a hallmark of his approach to storytelling, reminiscent of his work in films like *Lucky Number Slevin* and *Gangster No. 1*. He masterfully orchestrates an ensemble cast of uniquely powered individuals, creating a palpable sense of urgency and danger as they navigate a complex conspiracy. McGuigan excels at crafting narratives where underdogs go up against powerful, clandestine organizations, and *Push* delivers this in spades, with its rogue psychics fighting back against a manipulative government agency. The film's relentless pace and atmospheric tension keep viewers engaged, showcasing McGuigan's ability to orchestrate high-stakes thrills and blend genre elements—in this case, sci-fi and action-thriller—with a sophisticated visual language that is undeniably his own.