Michael Bay's 'Ambulance' Delivers Thrilling Action, But Fails to Resonate with Audiences

Despite critical praise, the high-octane medical drama struggles at the box office against stiff competition.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:43pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and twisted metal, captured in dramatic, high-contrast lighting to convey the intense, high-octane action of the 'Ambulance' film.The shattered remains of an ambulance chase sequence capture the visceral energy and technical innovation that defined Michael Bay's divisive action thriller.Los Angeles Today

Michael Bay's 2022 film 'Ambulance' is an action-packed, car-chase thriller that takes place primarily inside an ambulance, creating a cramped and rattling atmosphere. The film's innovative use of LightCraft drones, flown at up to 100 miles per hour, adds to the chaos and drives the narrative. However, despite a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for its intensity and maximalism, the film underperformed at the box office, returning only about $52.3 million against a $40 million budget.

Why it matters

Bay's maximalist approach, while innovative, may not have resonated with audiences, as 'Ambulance' opened on the same day as 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' and an expanded release of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once,' both of which were successful. The film's financial failure follows '6 Underground,' which also underperformed on Netflix, raising questions about the audience's reception of Bay's unique style.

The details

The plot of 'Ambulance' revolves around a former soldier, Will (Yaya Abdul-Mateen II), who turns to his criminal brother, Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal), for a quick fix. The plan goes awry, leading to a shootout and the theft of an ambulance, with paramedic Cam (Eiza González) as a hostage. The film's climax features a helicopter/ambulance chase down the Los Angeles River, showcasing Bay's unique take on big-city dinginess.

  • The film was released in theaters on April 8, 2022.

The players

Michael Bay

An American filmmaker known for his high-octane action movies, including the 'Transformers' franchise.

Yaya Abdul-Mateen II

An American actor who played the role of Will in 'Ambulance.'

Jake Gyllenhaal

An American actor who played the role of Danny, Will's criminal brother, in 'Ambulance.'

Eiza González

A Mexican actress who played the role of Cam, the paramedic taken hostage in 'Ambulance.'

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The takeaway

While 'Ambulance' showcases Michael Bay's innovative use of technology and chaotic storytelling, its financial failure raises questions about the audience's reception of his maximalist style. The film's underwhelming box office performance suggests that Bay's unique approach may not always resonate with mainstream audiences, even when executed with technical prowess.