Cargo (2006)
A claustrophobic drama-thriller about a desperate stowaway trapped among dangerous secrets aboard a cargo ship crossing from Africa to Europe.
Cargo - Movie Information
- Original Title: Cargo
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Clive Gordon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 14, 2006 (Germany), June 10, 2006 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Escape (US)
- Production Companies: Morena Films, Slate Films
- Production Countries: Spain, South Africa
Cargo - Plot
A young backpacker gets into some trouble in Africa and stows away on a cargo ship heading to Europe.
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Cargo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Clive Gordon
Main Cast
- Peter Mullan
- Daniel Brühl
- Luis Tosar
- Samuli Edelmann
- Gary Lewis
- Ricky Grover
- Christopher Fairbank
- Nikki Amuka-Bird
- Koen Balcaen
- Carlos Blanco
Writers
- Paul Laverty
Producers
- Andrea Calderwood
- Antonio Chavarrías
- Helena Danielsson
- Txepe Lara
- Juan Gordon
Cargo - FAQs
What is Cargo (2006) about?
Cargo follows a young backpacker who finds himself in serious trouble while travelling through Africa and desperately stows away on a cargo ship bound for Europe. Once aboard, he becomes entangled in a dangerous world of smuggling and secrets among the vessel's rough crew, making escape feel impossible.
Does Cargo have a dark or violent ending?
Cargo leans into its thriller roots with a tense, uncompromising conclusion. The tagline — “The secret will never leave the ship” — signals early on that the film isn't heading anywhere comfortable. Without spoiling specifics, the ending stays true to the film's bleak, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Where can you stream Cargo (2006)?
You can watch Cargo for free on Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. All three platforms offer the film at no cost, so you won't need a subscription to catch this tense thriller.
What does the tagline “The secret will never leave the ship” mean?
The tagline hints at the deadly stakes aboard the cargo vessel. The ship carries more than legitimate freight — it's a floating world of contraband and concealed crimes. For the stowaway protagonist, discovering what's hidden on board makes him a liability, raising the question of whether he'll survive the voyage.
Who are the main actors in Cargo (2006)?
The cast is genuinely impressive. Peter Mullan leads as Brookes, with Daniel Brühl playing Chris and Luis Tosar as the menacing Baptist. You'll also see Samuli Edelmann, Gary Lewis, Ricky Grover, Christopher Fairbank, and Nikki Amuka-Bird rounding out the ship's tightly wound ensemble.
Who directed Cargo and who wrote the screenplay?
Cargo was directed by Clive Gordon and written by Paul Laverty, the Scottish screenwriter best known for his long-running collaboration with Ken Loach on socially charged films like Sweet Sixteen and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. Laverty's fingerprints are all over the film's gritty, morally complex tone.
Is Cargo (2006) based on a true story?
Cargo is not based on a specific true story, but its themes of human smuggling, contraband, and desperate migration reflect very real global issues. Screenwriter Paul Laverty is known for grounding his scripts in social realities, giving the film a credible, documentary-like weight despite being a fictional thriller.
What are some films similar to Cargo (2006)?
If Cargo's claustrophobic smuggling tension appeals to you, try Layer Cake (2004) for sharp British crime, Contraband (2012) for another cargo-ship thriller, or War Dogs (2016) for a darkly comic take on illicit trade. Paradise Highway (2022) also explores dangerous smuggling with a strong dramatic edge.
More About Cargo
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