Lioness (2025) is a high-octane action thriller directed by James Nunn and written by Dominic Burns.

Lioness (2025) was inspired by a deep exploration of maternal strength, emotional vulnerability, and the high-stakes world of covert operations. It delivers a pulse-pounding narrative that explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even when the mission threatens to destroy everything she’s fought to rebuild

Screenwriter Dominic Burns envisioned a character who could embody both the tactical prowess of a former black ops leader and the raw emotional intensity of a mother fighting for her child.

The narrative grew from this duality, crafting a storyline that is as much about personal redemption as it is about explosive action.

Director James Nunn wanted to elevate the genre by infusing it with grounded, human tension rather than relying solely on spectacle.

The London setting adds a gritty realism, while the ensemble cast, led by Kate Beckinsale, enhances the film’s emotional weight and dramatic urgency.

At its heart, Lioness is a tale of courage and survival, spotlighting how far someone will go to protect the ones they love—even when their own past is as dangerous as the mission ahead.

In Lioness Kate Beckinsale stars as the formidable leader of a disbanded black ops team who must reunite her squad for one final mission: a daring heist to rescue her kidnapped eight-year-old daughter. Set against the gritty backdrop of London, the film blends emotional intensity with explosive action as Beckinsale’s character navigates betrayal, loyalty, and the ghosts of her past. Joining her are Lewis Tan, bringing martial arts prowess to the team; Alice Krige, adding gravitas and mystery; Rasmus Hardiker and Bailey Patrick, who round out the crew with sharp wit and tactical skill; and Matt Willis and Tom Bennett, whose roles add tension and depth to the unfolding drama.

James Nunn is a British film director born on October 24, 1985, in Sutton, Surrey, England. Known for his dynamic and kinetic style, Nunn has carved a niche in the action-thriller genre with films like One Shot (2021), One More Shot (2024), and Tower Block (2012). Standing at 6 feet tall, he began his career as an assistant director before transitioning to directing, where his flair for high-intensity storytelling and tightly choreographed sequences earned him recognition. His work often features single-location setups and real-time pacing, showcasing his ability to build tension and deliver visceral cinematic experiences. With Lioness (2025), Nunn continues to push boundaries, blending emotional depth with explosive action.

Dominic Burns, born in 1983 in Derby, England, is a multifaceted filmmaker—writer, director, producer, and actor—whose career spans independent horror, sci-fi, and action films. He gained early attention with CUT (2010), the world’s first single continuous-shot horror film, which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. Burns is known for his signature “long shot” technique and for shooting many of his films in his home county of Derbyshire. His credits include Airborne (2012), UFO (also known as Alien Uprising), and Allies (2014), and he’s collaborated with cult icons like Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith. As the screenwriter of Lioness, Burns brings his trademark blend of gritty realism and emotional stakes to the story, reinforcing his reputation as a bold voice in British indie cinema.