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We’ve seen films about married couples looking to spice things up. Imagine a scenario similar to True Lies. But rather than feature one of them working as a spy without the other knowing, they’re a full-blown assassin with Jason Bourne-like skills to pay the bills.
The newly streaming film Role Play, starring the perfect pairing of Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo, contains laugh-out-loud comedy, suspenseful action sequences, and quality drama. It doesn’t belong to a single lane. Just when you think it’s all snorting-laughter fun, genuine emotions drop in and shake up what so easily could have become another run-of-the-mill feature.
Long-time romantic partners can probably relate to the feeling of becoming more like roommates and partners in parenting. The flame is still there, but it’s turned way down, and you’re maybe chasing adventure and risk again. Ironically, Role Play dresses itself up as a pure, wacky romantic comedy but centers on characters with clay feet caught in extreme situations.
Director Thomas Vincent (Reacher) grounds the story while allowing the film to naturally drift toward cartoonish behavior and stand-out moments that accomplish a lot with a little. For instance, there’s a scene in which Cucuo’s Emma confronts someone from her past. Instead of giving us an entire backstory through a flashback, Vincent and Cuoco discover a way to sell the history between the characters with single looks. It’s a fast track to creating character dynamics that feel truer than shoehorning an expositional scene. The filmmakers and talent provide room for the audience to connect the dots. Not that there’s a huge mystery here, but Role Play is surprisingly nuanced when other storytellers might have kept the sense of play going.
Cuoco shows a lot of range. Obviously, she’s got the comedy chops if you’ve seen her previous work (Harley Quinn for the win). But she’s also kicking some major butt here. One wishes there was more of it here. When it arrives, though, it’s fun to see Emma back herself out of corners with a few neck breaks and lead-filled farewells.
Oyelowo is terrific opposite Cuoco. He’s got this calm and collected presence while also having this understandably nervous energy when the violence kicks up. One scene toward the film’s end involves his character, Dave, stepping outside his comfort zone in a dangerous environment. He maintains his kindness and gentlemen-like quality amid firefights. It’s as hilarious as Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies when her character accidentally drops a Uzi down a flight of stairs, taking out the baddies.
While the tone is not entirely even, and the film’s conclusion raises some head-scratching questions, Role Play is a domestic epic. Bill Nighy will make you giggle with his supportive role as a bar patron. It’s quite memorable, especially how much Cuoco’s Emma tries to shoo him away. (Take the hint, Bob. Jeez!) Enjoy Cuoco and Oyelowo’s chemistry, which supplies a double dose of thrills and romantic feels. Overall, Role Play is a solid palate cleanser during a hardcore drama movie season.
Q&A
Before you head to Prime Video, give our video interview with Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo a watch. We discuss the characters’ snorting laughter, finding subtlety in the extreme, and which characters from their filmographies would they feel most comfortable role-playing in real life.
