(Written by Intern, Shaun E)
If there was a portmanteau to describe Role Play, it would be “comedramaction.” This movie brings back the action romantic comedy, when an assassin’s attempt to rejuvenate her marriage turns into a dead contract killer and a target on her back. Despite the eye-catching title and humorous concept, clichéd writing and a mundane execution will unfortunately leave some viewers dissatisfied with what they may have hoped would be a sexy rom-com with a lethal twist.
The audience is immediately hooked by Emma Brackett (Kaley Cuoco) at an “average” day as a killer-for-hire. She returns home to her family, and realizes she forgot her anniversary with her husband, Dave (David Oyelowo). Meanwhile, her boss, Raj (Rudi Dharmalingam), breaks the bad news that a bounty has been placed on her and offers up another job, but she refuses. In an attempt to spice things up, Emma and Dave hit the town to role play as strangers at a nearby hotel. They are soon interrupted by an over-friendly Bob Kellerman (Bill Nighy), who turns out to be another assassin who has recognized Emma’s true identity. Emma kills him, escapes, and things escalate quickly as authorities begin a search for the unknown couple last seen talking to Kellerman. Emma reluctantly accepts the previously offered assignment, and leaves her family under the pretense of a business trip. However, this time, Dave is approached by mysterious investigators who reveal the true nature of his wife’s work. Emma’s double-life has caught up to her, but she will do anything to keep her family safe, even if it means facing her past and finally breaking free from it.
Role Play flirts with a wide array of elements from mercenary thrillers, to heartfelt family dramas, to tongue-in-cheek adult comedies. At times, the movie scrambles to smoothly marry the contrasting genres, and ultimately disappoints in crafting a stronger medley of tonal range. Deeply dramatic moments feel diluted by overwrought dialogue, while some comedic scenes stumble over drawn-out delivery. The threat of a supposedly all-powerful underground assassin society and the reveal of Emma’s upbringing somewhat falls short with a more expository tell-not-show approach. Furthermore, the title promises a more raunchy tale, yet the film is surprisingly mild in adult humor and topics, leaving an unexpected family-friendly feel despite being targeted for mature audiences.
Visually, the coloration and cinematography are appealing, with beautiful environments and well-decorated sets. The soundtrack is at times uninspired and even distracting over certain tense moments. The action sequences feature decent choreography, though lack the type of cinematic punch that other high-octane fight scenes carry. Beyond the production, something about the actors’ chemistry just didn’t connect for me, and neither did many of the jokes and one-liners. The film certainly looks good, it is Amazon after all, but things still feel a little off.
We are given a funny premise, a morally-gray protagonist, and fairly interesting commentary on generational trauma, marriage issues, and toxic family dynamics, yet the narrative lacks real depth in exploration. I personally love a silly rom-com, a brutal assassin action flick, or a highly emotional drama. However, this movie draws from each without fully committing, and instead leans on lackluster tropes. Overall, it is probably better approached with expectations of a lighter watch rather than one more profound or moving.
Spice up the bedroom with some Role Play when this action rom-com releases to Prime Video on Friday, January 12th.
