The Remake Of A 1953 Action Thriller Is Blowing Up On Netflix Right Now

«The Wages of Fear» 2024 follows a group who have to transport trucks filled with nitroglycerine to put out a deadly fire that’s at risk of causing a major explosion. It’s basically the same plot as the 1953 movie, though the modern version ramps up the action compared to the original. Henri-Georges Clouzot’s movie is less action-packed and economical with its storytelling, standing out at the time because of its grit and realism, while the 2024 remake is much more in line with contemporary action fare. The newer version is also leaner and meaner, coming in at 104 minutes, while the OG, which is currently available to stream on Max and The Criterion Channel, is over two hours long.

It’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first remake of the 1953 French film. Howard W. Koch loosely adapted the original with his 1958 picture «Violent Road,» which has a 6/10 score on IMDb. The most prominent English-language remake of «Wages of Fear» didn’t come out for another two decades, however. In 1977, «The Exorcist’s» late director, William Friedkin, helmed an American version of the film titled «Sorcerer.» Arguably one of the most tense films from that decade and widely underrated, Friendkin’s version was a box office bomb. But despite its financial failure, «Sorcerer» is considered by cinephiles to be the best remake of «Wages of Fear,» which is exemplified by its 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Love «The Wages of Fear» and want to check out more heavy-hitter movies? Here are the 30 best thrillers to watch on Netflix.