One Way (2006)
A lie told to save a marriage becomes the spark for a devastating spiral of revenge in this taut German-American crime thriller.
One Way - Movie Information
- Original Title: One Way
- Release Year: 2006
- Directed by: Reto Salimbeni
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 56m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 21, 2006 (Germany - 16), October 21, 2006 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: One Way - Eine fatale Entscheidung (DE)
- Production Companies: Erfttal Film, Rheingold Films
- Production Countries: Germany
One Way - Plot
To cover up his infidelities and protect his upcoming marriage, a star advertiser helps free an accused rapist by giving a false alibi and suffers the brutal revenge of the victim.
One Way - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first frame:
Where to Watch One Way
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One Way - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Reto Salimbeni
Main Cast
- Til Schweiger
- Lauren Lee Smith
- Sebastien Roberts
- Stefanie von Pfetten
- Michael Clarke Duncan
- Eric Roberts
- Mikael Persbrandt
- Art Hindle
- Sonja Smits
- Kenneth Welsh
Writers
- Reto Salimbeni
Producers
- Reto Salimbeni
One Way - FAQs
What is One Way about?
One Way follows a successful advertising executive who tells a false alibi to cover up his extramarital affairs, inadvertently helping free an accused rapist. When the victim discovers the truth, she sets in motion a relentless and brutal campaign of revenge that dismantles his carefully constructed life.
Who are the main actors in One Way?
The film stars Til Schweiger as the conflicted ad man Eddie Shneider, alongside Lauren Lee Smith, Michael Clarke Duncan as the menacing General, Eric Roberts as Nick Swell, Mikael Persbrandt, and Stefanie von Pfetten. It's a strong ensemble cast that keeps the tension running high.
Who directed One Way and wrote the screenplay?
Reto Salimbeni directed One Way and also served as the sole screenwriter and producer. It's very much a personal project — he shaped every layer of the story, from the moral ambiguity of its central character to the escalating thriller mechanics that drive the film forward.
Does One Way explore themes of guilt and moral compromise?
Absolutely. At its core, One Way is a morality tale about a man whose small, self-serving lie triggers catastrophic consequences. The film digs into guilt, complicity, and the cost of protecting personal comfort at someone else's expense — making the revenge that follows feel both inevitable and earned.
When was One Way released?
One Way was released on October 21, 2006, both in Germany and the United States. It's a German-American co-production, shot in English, and carries a German alternative title: One Way - Eine fatale Entscheidung, which translates roughly to 'One Way - A Fatal Decision.'
How long is One Way?
One Way runs for 116 minutes, or just under two hours. That runtime gives the film room to develop its characters and build tension gradually before the revenge plot fully takes hold — so it's a slow burn that rewards patience with some genuinely intense payoffs.
What are some movies similar to One Way?
If One Way's revenge-thriller tone appeals to you, check out Promising Young Woman (2020), Woman of the Hour (2024), Strange Darling (2024), or The Limey (1999). These films share similar themes of moral reckoning, justice outside the law, and the devastating fallout of hidden wrongdoing.
Where can I watch One Way online?
You can find current streaming availability and viewing options for One Way on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability can change over time, so it's worth checking for the latest options.
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