Richard Linklater’s new film, Hit Man, is a throwback to a bygone era of filmmaking. It’s a lively and delightful comedy with a bit of surprising edge. The film features Glen Powell as a philosophy professor who also works as a hired killer.
Adria Arjona plays a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse and asks Powell’s character to murder her husband. As they get closer, their bond grows, but it’s complicated by secrets and mistaken identities.
Despite its dark and complex plot, the movie has been a hit with critics and audiences alike. Moviegoers are loving this new Netflix comedy-thriller because it breaks all the rules of modern Hollywood. That’s how it manages to dodge cancel culture’s wrath despite its controversial storyline.
Glen Powell’s Hit Man Skirts Cancel Culture Backlash
On paper, Hit Man seems like it could be a chilling movie. Director Richard Linklater, who also directed School of Rock and Bernie, is known for making funny and heartwarming films, and Hit Man is no exception. It’s packed with fun, and Glen Powell and Adria Arjona make a fantastic duo on screen.
Hit Man avoids the typical fuss over daring movies for a few clever reasons. Firstly, it’s expertly put together. The acting, writing, and directing are all fantastic, which makes viewers focus more on the film’s strengths than its controversial parts.
Second, it is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun and entertaining movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This makes it easier for audiences to forgive the film’s flaws. Finally, Hit Man has flown under the radar to some extent. The film had a very limited theatrical release, and it’s only recently become available on Netflix. This means that it hasn’t been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as some other movies.
Netflix’s Hit Man Really Delivers Thrills with Thoughtful Depth
Netflix’s latest film, Hit Man, has been a critical and commercial darling. The movie has been praised by critics, earning a whopping 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences seem to agree, with a score of 91% – though that number dipped slightly from a perfect 100% early on.
Powell’s performance is a big part of the film’s success. Let’s just say, many viewers found him easy on the eyes! It also topped Netflix’s most-watched list, and the ending apparently left a lot of people speechless.
While the movie is inspired by a true story, the real Gary Johnson wasn’t exactly a killer-for-hire. He also never dated someone looking to off their spouse. Speaking to Indie Wire, the director explained the concept behind this flick:
What if she got back in touch with him? Or what if they start hanging out? What if they start dating and she thinks he’s Ron. It becomes this study of self, who are we, and that it’s funny — there’s a lot of mistaken identities, a lot of deception, and that’s just fun to watch. But there’s also a true-crime element. I like that she thinks he’s a hit man, and her husband ends up dead after all.
Linklater’s film does deal with some serious issues, such as domestic abuse and s*xual assault. However, it doesn’t dwell fully on these issues. It allowed space for breezy comedy.
Hit Man is available to stream on Netflix!
Frequently asked questions
What is Netflix’s comedy-thriller Hit Man about?
Hit Man is a comedy-thriller directed by Richard Linklater, starring Glen Powell as a philosophy professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for police sting operations. Adria Arjona plays a woman who approaches his character seeking to hire a killer, and the two grow closer as their relationship becomes complicated by secrets and mistaken identities. The film blends dark subject matter with comedic tone.
How was Hit Man received by critics and audiences?
The film earned strong reviews, holding a 96% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 91% audience score, according to the article, though the audience score reportedly dipped slightly from an initial perfect rating. It also topped Netflix’s most-watched list after its streaming debut, with the film’s blend of sharp writing, performances, and direction credited for its widespread appeal among viewers and critics alike.
Is Hit Man based on a true story?
Hit Man is loosely inspired by a real person named Gary Johnson, but the film takes significant creative liberties. According to director Richard Linklater, the real Johnson was not a hired killer and never dated someone seeking to have a spouse killed. Linklater told IndieWire he built the fictional romance by imagining ‘what if’ Johnson’s undercover persona led to an unexpected relationship.
