Greetings again from the darkness. The spouse living a double life is territory covered many times by many movies over many years. When done well, it's an intriguing premise and fertile ground for a fascinating character - one who can flip the switch between a 'normal' family life and one of intense danger. What's rare is for the oblivious spouse to be the more interesting character, yet that's exactly what happens in this film from director Thomas Vincent and screenwriter Seth W Owen.
Kaley Cuoco stars as Emma Brackett, and David Oyelowo co-stars as her husband, Dave. Ms. Cuoco shot to fame with her role as Penny on the long-running TV series "The Big Bang Theory", which she followed up with leading roles in "The Flight Attendant" and "Harley Quinn". This is her latest shot at establishing herself as a movie actress. Mr. Oyelowo is best known for his dramatic turns in SELMA (2014) and THE MIDNIGHT SKY (2020), and the new series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves".
Emma is a contract assassin who works all over the world using disguises (mostly wigs) and aliases, while telling Dave, the nicest, most trusting man on Earth, that she is off to yet another generic work conference in Nebraska or some other unexciting locale. When home, Emma is a good mother to their two kids, and clearly enjoys their life in suburban New Jersey. When work beckons, Dave unwittingly accepts her reason for travel, having no clue that she'll return with blood on her hands.
On their seventh anniversary, Dave suggests they spice things up a bit with some role play. Their planned 'happenstance' meeting as strangers at a hotel bar goes sideways thanks to the intrusion of an unwelcome third wheel named Bob Kellerman. The always fabulous Bill Nighy plays Kellerman, and we find ourselves wishing he had more screen time. It turns out, this encounter leads to Emma being outed, which sends Dave into emotional turmoil (a terrific scene) ... and an ill-advised meetup at her latest job.
Additional support work is provided by Connie Nielsen as the demented woman who raised and trained Emma, and their final meeting provides the impetus for the third act. Other than Bill Nighy's too-brief role, the best part of the film is seeing rare comedic chops from David Oyelowo. It's a joy to see such a well-respected and talented actor show yet another side on screen. Kaley Cuoco doesn't fare quite as well, as her TV sitcom approach defies believability. For those in search of some mindless entertainment with a side dose of action, the movie should work just fine.
Opens nationwide in theaters on January 12, 2024.
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