Hit Man

 

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.

🏆 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