Hit Man is a delightful throwback to the kind of black comedy crime films that thrived in the ’90s—think Out of Sight or True Romance. It’s directed with confidence and ease by Richard Linklater, built on a clever script packed with sharp jokes, and powered by two genuine star-making performances from Glen Powell and Adria Arjona.
Written by Powell alongside Linklater, Hit Man is based on the outlandish (and surprisingly true) story of Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered philosophy professor at the University of New Orleans who moonlights as a tech assistant for local police sting operations. When the department’s usual undercover agent is suspended, Gary is asked to pose as a fake hitman—and to everyone’s surprise, he’s incredibly good at it. His job is to get people to admit they want to hire someone, at which point the police can make an arrest. Things take a turn when he meets Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman trying to escape her abusive husband. Their connection throws him off, and as the lies pile up and things get more dangerous, it becomes harder for Gary to keep up the act.
Linklater has one of the most eclectic careers in American filmmaking—capable of delivering heartfelt, character-driven, and formally daring works like Boyhood and The Before Trilogy, but also not afraid to just have fun. He’s at his best when he blends both sides, like in the underrated gem Bernie (2011). Hit Man doesn’t go quite as deep emotionally, but it thrives on ridiculous fun. Gary cycles through different personas to bait confessions, and the scenes sprinkled throughout the film are some of the funniest. Still, thanks to Madison’s character, there’s surprising emotional weight. Beneath all the disguises and lies, this is really a story about two people letting their guards down and finding something real. The fact that Linklater juggles all of that—romance, suspense, and comedy—without ever losing control just shows how in command he is.
But none of it would work without Glen Powell, who comfortably steps into leading-man territory. After finally catching the public’s attention in Top Gun: Maverick and continuing that momentum with Twisters, it’s here in Hit Man where he feels most fully himself. His transformation from shy academic to confident chameleon is completely convincing, and he handles the tonal shifts with ease—delivering dry wit one moment, emotional sincerity the next. Adria Arjona is just as strong, giving Madison a depth that grounds the film. The two have great chemistry and make a couple you genuinely root for.
Hit Man is a sharp, stylish throwback to the golden age of crime-romance comedies, delivering charm, romance, tension, and two breakout performances that make it one of 2024’s most entertaining films. It’s a shame Netflix gave it such a limited theatrical run—this is exactly the kind of movie that plays best with a crowd. So if you can, gather some friends and enjoy one of the year’s most purely enjoyable rides. And don’t miss the end credits, which feature real-life photos of Gary Johnson, offering one last, charming wink.