Hit Man - Review : A Rom-Com with a Wicked, Noir-Stained Twist

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Hit Man

Directed by Richard Linklater • 2024

A Rom-Com with a Wicked, Noir-Stained Twist

★★★☆☆

A charming fairy tale built on a dark foundation, confirmed by the electric charisma of its leads.

Release Date

June 7, 2024

Rotten Tomatoes

95%

Letterboxd Score

3.8/5

Running Time

1h 55m

Official Synopsis

Gary Johnson is a straight-laced, unassuming psychology professor who moonlights as a tech assistant for the New Orleans Police Department. When the department's undercover operative is suspended, Gary is thrust into the field as a fake contract killer to trap people trying to hire an assassin. An expert at adopting custom personas tailored to each client, Gary finds himself caught in an ethical tailspin when he falls for Madison, a desperate woman trying to escape an abusive marriage. He adopts his coolest persona, "Ron," to protect her, sparking a chaotic, tangled romantic web of deception and hidden identities.

Expanded Ensemble

• Glen Powell as Gary Johnson / "Ron"
• Adria Arjona as Madison Masters
• Austin Amelio as Jasper
• Retta as Officer Claudette
• Sanjay Rao as Officer Phil
• Molly Bernard as Alisha

Expanded Architects

• Director: Richard Linklater
• Screenplay: Richard Linklater, Glen Powell
• Producers: Mike Blizzard, Richard Linklater, Glen Powell, Jason Bateman
• Cinematography: Shane F. Kelly
• Film Editor: Sandra Adair
• Music Supervisor: Randall Poster

Official Promotional Trailer

Production Info & Specifications

Financial Budget	$20 Million (Estimated Acquisition Value)
Streaming Status	Netflix Original Global Feature Hit
Capture Format	Digital (Panavision Millennium DXL2) • 2.39:1 Layout
Primary Locations	New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Production Label	Netflix • AGC Studios • Detour Filmproduction • Aggregate Films

Directed by Richard Linklater, Hit Man overcomes suspense and noir film stereotypes by inserting much-needed, unexpected black comedy into the proceedings. While the script might read like a silly Lifetime thriller on the surface, Linklater’s steady comedic hand transforms this morbid story into something genuinely charming. The film hinges on the affable charisma of Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, an attractive and likeable couple that keeps the audience rooting for them even as the absurdity peaks in the third act.

"Linkletter's steady comedic hand transforms the morbid, dark story into something resembling a charming fairy tale. It all shouldn't really work."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Richard Linklater
• Starring: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona
• Writers: Richard Linklater & Glen Powell
• Based on: Skip Hollandsworth (Texas Monthly Article)

The Vision

Richard Linklater’s vision leans into the philosophical nature of identity, disguised as a breezy rom-com. By utilizing Glen Powell’s range through a series of "hit man" personas, the film explores how we perform ourselves for others. It manages to feel like a "star-making" turn for both leads, despite them both already being on strong trajectories toward superstardom. The direction ensures the film remains grounded in character even when the plot dips into traditional noir territory.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• True Story Roots: The film is loosely based on the real-life story of Gary Johnson, a staff investigator for the Harris County D.A.'s office who actually posed as a hitman over 60 times.
• Writing Duo: Glen Powell didn't just star; he co-wrote the screenplay with Linklater after discovering the original 2001 article in Texas Monthly.
• Persona Prep: Powell worked closely with the hair and makeup departments to create distinct looks for his various aliases, ranging from "American Psycho" chic to backwoods grit.

✅ Pros

• Electric chemistry between Glen Powell and Adria Arjona.
• Masterful tonal balance between black comedy and romance.
• Richard Linklater’s character-first directorial style.

❌ Cons

• Plot absurdity in the third act may stretch believability for some.
• On-paper premise can feel a bit like a generic thriller tropes.

The Full Analysis

Hit Man is a romantic comedy featuring a wicked twist, successfully overcoming standard suspense and noir film stereotypes by inserting much-needed, unexpected black comedy into the proceedings. The film rides high on the affable charisma of its leading performers, Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, whose electric chemistry anchors the entire production. In truth, the script on the surface reads like a silly Lifetime thriller movie, but Richard Linklater’s steady comedic hand transforms the morbid, dark story into something resembling a charming fairy tale.

The narrative follows a mild-mannered professor who discovers a hidden talent for posing as a professional killer, a premise that shouldn't really work given its inherent absurdity. However, the attractive and likable couple at the center of the story engages the audience so thoroughly that one cannot help but root and cheer for them, even as the plot reaches a peak of ridiculousness in the third act. Linklater balances the visceral thrills of a crime chronicle with a sharp, satirical edge, providing a refreshing departure from the more grounded realism typically found in the genre.

I would argue that these are star-making turns for both actors, though they are both already on strong trajectories toward superstardom. This film simply confirms that they are worthy of the massive attention they have been receiving, as they navigate the shifting tones of the script with ease. The dialogue is witty, the pacing is riveting, and the visual style is handsome without being over-the-top. It is an engaging story that prizes performance and cleverness over visceral action, making it a standout achievement in the modern landscape of streaming cinema.

Ultimately, Hit Man is a powerfully invigorating and masterfully executed piece of entertainment that rewards the viewer’s willingness to embrace the strange. It serves as a solid reminder that a talented director can take a high-concept idea and turn it into a legitimate film classic with the right cast and tone. Whether viewed as an amusingly diverting romance or a unique curio of the mystery genre, the film is an absolute triumph. It is an exciting ride that leaves the audience feeling good, proving that even a story about a "hit man" can have a heartwarming and sincere soul.

🏆 Final Verdict

A confirmed success for its leads and a delightful genre-bender. Hit Man is proof that with the right talent and a steady hand, even the darkest premises can feel like magic.

View original review on Letterboxd