- Now streaming on Netflix: The Negotiator (1998) starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey.
- Jackson plays a top police negotiator accused of crimes, sparking a tense, verbal showdown.
- The film underperformed at the box office but has since become a cult favorite on TV and home video.
- Recommended for fans of tight, character-driven thrillers and stories about corruption.
Why The Negotiator resurfaces now
Netflix has added F. Gary Gray’s The Negotiator (1998) to its lineup, giving modern audiences easy access to a tense, tightly written thriller. The film pairs two powerhouse actors — Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey — in a match of wills that depends almost entirely on dialogue and performance rather than spectacle. For viewers hunting for a smart, edge-of-your-seat crime drama, this is a clear pick.
Plot in brief
Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson) is a top police negotiator who suddenly finds himself accused of embezzlement and murder. With his reputation under threat and evidence mounting against him, Roman takes desperate action: he seizes a federal building and holds hostages to prove his innocence. The authorities bring in Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey), another elite negotiator, to defuse the standoff. What follows is a cat-and-mouse duel of persuasion, bluffing, and moral pressure.
Cast and creative team
Jackson delivers a raw, urgent performance as a man pushed to the edge. Kevin Spacey counters with a calm, methodical Sabian who must outthink his opposite. Supporting roles from J.T. Walsh and David Morse bolster the film’s world of internal politics and systemic corruption. Director F. Gary Gray keeps the pacing taut and the focus tight on the characters and consequences.
Box office vs. legacy
Despite strong reviews for its script and performances, The Negotiator did not break out commercially when it opened. The film had a $50 million budget and earned roughly $44 million at the box office. Over time, however, it found an audience on television and home video and is now regarded by many as an underrated gem of the late ’90s thriller slate.
Why watch it today?
The Negotiator rewards close attention. Its tension is psychological rather than explosive, with each line of dialogue carrying weight. Themes of corruption, trust, and institutional failure still resonate, making the film feel timely even decades after its release. If you enjoy movies that unfold like a strategic game of chess between two sharp minds, this film delivers.
Final take
Streaming on Netflix, The Negotiator is an accessible reminder of Samuel L. Jackson’s range beyond action blockbusters and a showcase for how performance and script can sustain suspense. Whether you missed it in 1998 or want to rewatch a smart, character-driven thriller, this is a strong choice.
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