One to Watch: Tom Cruise May Be the Hero, But He’s a Killer Villain Too

For this weekend’s ‘One to Watch,’ we’re revisiting Michael Mann’s masterclass in tension: Collateral. Tom Cruise has spent decades saving the world, on fighter jets, dangling from skyscrapers, and leaping out of planes. But in 2004’s Collateral, he showed just how dangerous he could be on the other side of the law. As Vincent, a smooth-talking, ice-cold hitman prowling Los Angeles by taxi, Cruise ditched the charm of Ethan Hunt and Maverick for something much darker and the results still hit hard 20 years later.

Working with director Michael Mann, Cruise dove into a character built on precision and control. Collateral follows Max, a Los Angeles cab driver played by Jamie Foxx, who unknowingly picks up Vincent, a contract killer with a list of targets to eliminate before sunrise. Cruise’s performance is a masterclass in controlled menace, his usual charm is still there, but twisted into something cold and calculating. His silver-haired, sharp-suited assassin is both charismatic and terrifying, making Vincent one of the most memorable villains in modern cinema.

Michael Mann’s signature style elevates the film, using digital cinematography to capture the neon-lit streets of LA with a raw, immersive feel. The dynamic between Cruise and Foxx drives the tension, as Vincent forces Max to confront his own fears and take control of his life. Their philosophical clashes add depth to the thriller, making it more than just a high-stakes action film. The film was a box office success, earning over $220 million worldwide, and remains one of Cruise’s most underrated roles.

Despite being known for high-octane heroism, Cruise’s portrayal in Collateral is a career standout. Despite Cruise’s reputation as an action hero, it proves he can play a villain just as convincingly. His performance is so compelling that we still talk about it 20 years later and with his Mission franchise seemingly put to bed, maybe now’s the time for him to tap back into that side of his career.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Collateral is how Cruise’s Vincent functions as both a ruthless force and an unexpected mentor. Throughout the film, he pushes Max to confront his fears, challenging him to take control of his life instead of drifting through it. Their tense exchanges blur the lines between hero and villain, making Vincent not just a terrifying antagonist but also a catalyst for Max’s transformation. Cruise’s performance balances intimidation with moments of eerie wisdom, making Vincent more than just a standard movie hitman.

His ability to command the screen as a villain, mixing charm with menace, leaves a lasting impression. As Hollywood continues to explore new projects, perhaps it’s time for Cruise to step into another dark, villainous role. If Collateral proved anything, it’s that he’s just as compelling when he’s the one audiences fear.

It’s no coincidence Collateral remains one of the few times Cruise fully embraced his dark side. The calculated intensity, the detached cruelty, the moments of philosophical menace, it’s all a jarring reminder of what he’s capable of when he trades charm for chill. Vincent isn’t just a contract killer. He’s the embodiment of directionless purpose, and Cruise plays him with surgical sharpness.

We love him as the daredevil hero, but Collateral proved that he can terrify just as easily as he can thrill. Perhaps now it’s time for him to step into another villainous role, because when Cruise plays the bad guy, he does it brilliantly.

You can stream Collateral now on Netflix in the UK and Paramount+ in the US.

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