Released: 9th June 2021 (UK)
Length: 92 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Director: Ilya Naishuller
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Aleksei Serebryakov, RZA and Christopher Lloyd
The standalone action thriller has become a common template for modern cinema; following the likes of John Wick and Atomic Blonde, new properties continue to emerge. The latest is Nobody, which puts Bob Odenkirk of Breaking Bad fame into an action vehicle. While not the finest example of razor-sharp tension, it offers plenty of entertainment.
The man in question is Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) who works a day job as a company accountant. When a random break-in highlights the distance between him and his family, Hutch’s violent side starts to emerge. In the first act, we see a seemingly ordinary man; he goes to work Monday to Friday, provides for those close to him and settles into his mundane lifestyle. When Hutch becomes a target for the Russian mob boss Yulian (Aleksei Serebryakov) this average setting gives way to a gritty tone. This is where the film’s more unique elements come to an end as the expected hybrid of brawls, shootouts and chase sequences takes over. The pacing ploughs forward at a whip smart pace, layering preparation and confrontation at frequent intervals. The use of some black comedy to vary up the proceedings is also successful, relying on the more everyday elements to trick the background characters. On occasion, I felt Hutch’s family could have been more integrated; once they’re sent away at the halfway mark, the dramatic tension is heavily diminished.
Bob Odenkirk’s performance is definitely the best part of the package; you feel this guy is ready to unleash hell on his enemies, but holds back when it comes to protecting his family. The way the latter layer drops to reveal a proficient agent has a driving momentum behind it. These strengths don’t really translate to the rest of the cast; while Hutch’s family forges a connection, you won’t find yourself too engaged with their safety. Christopher Lloyd fares better as the senior Mansell with a penchant for shotguns, but that’s where the side characterisation stops. RZA for example is relegated to radio chat until the final action scene and Michael Ironside goes by heavily underused all the way through. Other action franchises have this problem too, but Nobody’s use of well-known actors magnifies their insignificance to the story.
Tightly edited fight scenes mixed with a dynamic soundtrack have become commonplace in today’s thrillers and Nobody succeeds at this style. Every major set piece is focused and choreographed well; many have already seen the vicious hand-to-hand fight on the bus, but that’s only scratching the surface. We also have a claustrophobic escape from a car and an inventive use of traps at the climax. Initially the tension is strong, but as the film reaches its latter half, Hutch’s vulnerability is mostly put on the backburner. The music is great; composer David Buckley chooses many classic tracks that match the tone brilliantly, most notably “Life’s a B**ch” by Luther Allison which reflects the seemingly normal routines of the Mansell family. Add to that some dazzling lighting and you have a well-produced backdrop.
Bob Odenkirk’s turn as a hidden operative in waiting reaches some high notes through its brutal action and a different focus in the first act. It’s an enjoyable thrill ride with a fair bit of humour to boot; with all that said, its contemporaries do a better job in terms of both style and overall depth. Nobody could have brought more to the table by revolving around the everyman character, but it’s still able to engage.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)