Glen Powell and Adria Arjona’s Hit Man Stands Out As An Unexpected Sexy Joy Ride
If you pretend to be the person you want to be long enough, it’s quite possible you will become them. Well, at least that was the case for Gary Johnson, the philosophy professor and sometimes undercover phony Hit Man in Netflix's new film. It’s a story unlike anything I have seen before, toying with the ideas of human certainty and the power of an intense connection. The film is directed by Richard Linklater, who also co-wrote the screenplay with leading man Glen Powell.
Between their clever dialogue and the cast's astonishing performances, this film is easily one of the best I have seen all year. Simply putting it in the rom-com genre doesn’t even describe the explosive storyline we are met with.
We follow the story of Gary Johnson, a simple guy who works as a philosophy teacher by day and then works in a van for the New Orleans police department by night. He is just a tech guy who enjoys the thrill until dirty cop Jasper (Austin Amelio) gets suspended, forcing him to take on his true role: a hitman, or at least a cop undercover as a hitman. According to Gary, being a hit man is not a real job, it’s just an absurd concept we’ve come up to make ourselves feel safe. Though civilian Gary doubts himself, he slips into his role with ease and poise, stunning himself and his colleagues with his smooth role adjustment. Nerdy Gary finds himself using this work as an outlet, calling it “field research,” and furthering his fascination with humanity. He fully commits to his work by researching each target and designing a new facade that suits them. This was as entertaining as it was impressive, showcasing Powell's star power. We see him play a shady expensive businessman, a black leather-clad Russian hitman, and a lowlife ungroomed thug.
And the stats don’t lie — Gary clearly has a knack for this work, securing his gig beyond Jasper’s suspension. Gary begins a whole new life, tapping into his eagerness to be playful and become versions of himself he doesn’t identify with. However, it is a conversation with his ex-wife and now best friend that lets us into the heart of the storyline: Are human personalities malleable or certain?
Up until this point, each role Gary was playing was a just a facade curated for the comfort of others. That is until he comes up with “Ron” for Madison (Adria Arjona). He’s gorgeous, large, and kind, but he is also smooth, fearless, and seductive. He’s a leather-jacket bad boy with a deadly job. Madison meets with Gary, playing “Ron,” in search of an escape from her controlling husband. But unlike anyone before her, Gary instantly feels a personal connection with Madison in his new persona. It’s as if fireworks went off as soon as they met eyes. Instead of taking her money and incriminating her further, Gary advises her to run, using the money to find a life that is true to who she is.
Their story should have ended there, but when she returns, inviting him to a dog charity event and drinks at a random bar, it is irresistible for Gary. Powell and Arjona's chemistry is off the charts, spicing up the story with so much tension. Their dialogue is natural and flows effortlessly, while their connection is magnetic and sexy. Though it is “Ron” who is supposed to be the deadly mastermind, it really is Madison whose eyes are piercingly seductive. She’s unconcerned with his job. In fact, it may be his job that secures her fantasy. She is drawn to the dangerous, kind-hearted man who makes her feel safe. Meanwhile, Gary finds himself obsessed with the life of “Ron” because of the man it makes him and the connection he built with Madison. He is obviously in love. Their connection is undeniable and, when “Ron” finds himself in a pickle as he has blown his cover, it is the notes app-facilitated scheme that sells their endgame Bonnie and Clyde love affair.
We get a stunning performance from Powell as he makes the film so playful and his character work is very clever, reiterating his certification as an A-list actor. But for Arjona, this is a true breakout role. Her range is amazing as she sells Madison, constantly keeping audiences on their toes, waiting for her to unravel and reveal herself. Her character only becomes more interesting with her occasional role-playing, but the true kickoff is an alleyway altercation with her soon-to-be ex-husband that really blows open the story. It highlights her allure to darkness in a big way as she dares “Ron” to shoot her no-good obsessive boyfriend.
Richard Linklater has a true gem on his hands here, as he directs a fiery film filled with fun and sneaky comedy that slips right in. The writing between him and Powell shows a great understanding of audience appeal, giving us a story that is unpredictable and stands out amongst what is being delivered to our screens as of late.
Hit Man will only be in theaters on May 24 and will begin streaming on Netflix on June 7.
