The title “Hit Man” suggests yet another action-packed, gun-blazing, combat-filled, and gore-smeared picture from Hollywood.
Surely, we’ve had enough of those, right?
Especially in the last five years, with films like the bullet-riddled John Wick Trilogy, the Denzel Washington-led The Equalizer, and the physics-defying Tenet directed and produced by Oscar winner Christopher Nolan.
Surely, we’ve had our fill…or so I thought until Hit Man dropped on Netflix.
This satirical thriller, led by Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, takes a different approach from your traditional assassin story.
There’s no professional killer, no CIA agent or decorated veteran who goes rogue after retirement or some personal tragedy.
Instead, we have a seemingly unremarkable college professor teaching psychology (at least that’s how his students see him at first) who accidentally becomes a non-lethal hitman, and someone’s “housewife.”
At first, we meet a less attractive Glen, sporting a dad-style pair of shorts and leather sandals in class.
The team does an excellent job transforming one of Hollywood’s most attractive leading men into an average Joe – kudos to the costume and makeup team.
Then we meet Adria Arjona in a roadside cafe.
At this point, you instantly sense the intense on-screen chemistry between the two actors, signaling that you’re in for a fun ride.
The film explores social psychology, examining how individuals adopt varying personalities in different environments and when interacting with different people to fit in perfectly.
Think of a chameleon changing color depending on its surroundings.
It’s inspiring, compelling, and funny.
Its action is psychological, not physical, keeping you glued to the screen from beginning to end.
Unlike many other films nowadays, this one does a good job of not giving away the ending before it’s time.
Although it may seem simple, it leaves you with memorable catchphrases like “All Pie is Good Pie.”
I would highly recommend this film to those who love twisted love.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Solid 3.7 Stars