Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. 88
    One hell of a thriller. It's not often that I feel true suspense and dread building within me, but they were building during long stretches of this expertly constructed film.
  2. Reviewed by: Jenni Miller
    88
    This is one train that you shouldn't miss.
  3. 83
    Though Anderson's storytelling gets murky at times, it's still a fine showcase for his versatility, adding to an impressive, under-the-radar résumé that includes the underrated science-fiction comedy "Happy Accidents" and the first-rate horror film "Session 9."
  4. A vigorous, fast-paced tale that entwines plot with character and psychology set against an incredibly exotic backdrop.
  5. 80
    Anderson and his very fine cast keep things chugging along at a breathless pace, complete with a midfilm reversal of fortune nearly as unexpected as "Psycho's" shower scene. All aboard!
  6. 80
    Mortimer gives a terrifically keyed-up performance that is nicely complemented by the wholesomely chipper Harrelson, who seems to be drawing inspiration from Fred MacMurray's gallery of Disney dads.
  7. Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    80
    An engagingly up-to-date melodrama steeped in local color and steered by a treacherous sense of morality.
  8. Reviewed by: Mike Mayo
    80
    All in all, the film is an excellent, if modest, alternative for moviegoers who have been blockbustered into submission this summer.
  9. With top-notch performances (especially that of Mortimer) and the gray of the Siberian wilderness providing an apt backdrop for the movie's gray zones of morality, Transsiberian is on a great track.
  10. 75
    Unlike so many Hollywood thrillers, which too often rely on implausible or telegraphed twists, Transsiberian is carefully structured and designed to make sense when you replay the events in your head.
  11. 75
    Brad Anderson's Transsiberian is a genuine sleeper that jump-starts an almost extinct genre.
  12. Manages to pull off a couple of startling surprises.
  13. In the riveting Transsiberian, a train of that name adds international intrigue to the mix.
  14. 75
    The execution is masterful and even as you see the building blocks of the climax being put into place, it's a delight to watch them fit JUST SO.
  15. Reviewed by: Jamie Tipps
    70
    Mortimer delivers as a mentally disintegrating wife, but it's Harrelson who provides the most fun, playing against type as the down-home Roy.
  16. Until it fizzles in an anticlimactic train crash, it is extremely entertaining.
  17. Reviewed by: Chris Nashawaty
    67
    Who doesn't have a sweet tooth for intrigue on a train?
  18. Since Alfred Hitchcock set the standard for strangers-on-a-train thrillers, Anderson has a lot to live up to. He falls short of creating a new classic, but he does manage to keep us on edge for most of the movie.
  19. It's a little sloppy and full of convenient coincidences, but at its best roils with edgy character tensions.
  20. 50
    Unfortunately, there's never a moment where you can't see Anderson and his co-writer, Will Conroy, yanking on the strings.
  21. Reviewed by: Ed Gonzalez
    40
    Just as nasty as the titular mode of transport is the script's wanton declaration of theme and a cynical and fashionable belief in moral grayness that may complement the frosty setting but nonetheless feels easy.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. This is a silly movie. It definitely got too high a score from the critics. Stephen Holden, of the Times, spoiled the ending in the first line of his review. Well, I guess the movie spoiled itself. This is lazy filmmaking. Whoever mentioned **** in the same breath as this needs to have his mouth washed out with soap. Full Review »
  2. Charity workers go on long way round train journey to get home, meet fellow travellers, couple get separated, Russian police involved. Quite a decent thriller which builds up nicely & has the inevitable "goes bonkers" at the end. It does have some plot holes but always good to see Ben Kingsley in sinister roles & Emily Mortimer is very good too. Full Review »
  3. EssiS
    9
    I was expecting good things from this film, but I was totally blown away by it´s great script, matched with perfect directing and cast performances. Also the locations were beautiful and mesmerizing. The score was also just right. Transsiberian reminded me a little bit of Woody Allens Match Point, which is also an amazing thriller.It is not the easiest genre to pull of, but this film nailed it! I don´t have anything bad to say about this movie. Go see it! Full Review »