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

Hit Man (2023)

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.

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