Richard Linklater’s "Hit Man": A Must-See Movie

People often talk about a "golden era" of movies when Hollywood produced films that were sexier, smarter, and just better overall. Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” is a movie for those people.

A Clever, Genre-Blending Story

“Hit Man” is like a chameleon, changing its style to suit different situations. It’s part comedy, part romance, part thriller, and a deep look at how people can change. It’s one of the smartest films in recent years, mixing classic noir vibes with the cool style of movies like Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight.” It's sexy, complex, and not to be missed.

The Plot

Based loosely on a true story, “Hit Man” stars Glen Powell (who also co-wrote the script with Linklater) as Gary Johnson. Gary is a New Orleans professor who helps the police with small tasks like setting up surveillance equipment. When an undercover agent named Jasper (Austin Amelio) is suspended, Gary has to fill in. He unexpectedly excels at pretending to be a hit man, even convincing a sleazy guy named Craig (Mike Markoff) that he’s a professional killer. Gary’s colleagues (played by Retta and Sanjay Rao) suggest that he becomes their new undercover hit man.

Gary takes his new role seriously, researching the people who want to hire a killer and transforming into the perfect person for each job. This ability to adapt can be seen as a metaphor for acting, reflecting how Powell himself prepares for his roles. Gary’s journey also ties into his philosophical teachings, showing how these different roles change him.

Meeting Madison

The story takes a turn when Madison (Adria Arjona) tries to hire a hit man to kill her abusive husband. Gary, now posing as Ron, meets her in a diner. He decides to help her without committing murder, suggesting she use the money to start a new life instead. This decision is morally complex, raising questions about what will happen if Madison hires another hit man.

Unpredictable and Engaging

“Hit Man” keeps viewers guessing. Unlike many movies that make their plot twists obvious, this film stays ahead of its audience, making each turn surprising and engaging. While some plot threads might feel unresolved, the movie is so entertaining that it doesn’t matter.

Electric Chemistry

The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is electrifying. Their scenes together are filled with genuine connection, something rare in modern movies. This chemistry drives the film, especially as it shifts from a comedy to a thriller with a touch of noir, allowing for moral ambiguity.

More Than Just a Fun Flick

While “Hit Man” might seem like a fun movie on the surface, it’s deeper than that. It explores how easy it is for people to become what they pretend to be and challenges our tendency to define people by their jobs or hobbies. Powell’s performance is key to making Gary’s improvisations believable and essential to the film’s success.

A Nod to the Golden Era

In a golden era of movies, “Hit Man” would be a huge hit, turning Glen Powell and Adria Arjona into stars. However, in today’s world, good films often get buried by content algorithms. “Hit Man” will have a brief theatrical run before landing on Netflix. Don’t let this gem get lost—make sure to watch it.

Richard Linklater has crafted a film that combines fun and depth, making “Hit Man” a standout in modern cinema.