Since it was released on Netflix last month, there has been much buzz about “The Gray Man”, even though reviews have been mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics haven’t exactly been generous, with only 46% giving it a positive review. Nevertheless, it has garnered a 91% audience score.
Ryan Gosling plays Six, an assassin who is part of the CIA’s covert Sierra programme, made up of “reckless and mysterious men” who are sent in when the agency can’t officially send anyone else. He was recruited from prison by a handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), with whom he eventually develops a close friendship.
Six is tasked with killing a man, not realising he is a fellow agent under the same programme. Before he dies, the target reveals that the new chief, Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page of “Bridgerton” fame), is indeed crooked. He passes Six a thumb drive with evidence.
His cover blown, Carmichael turns his focus to assassinating Six and obtaining the thumb drive. He engages the services of Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), an ex-CIA agent who was removed from service due to his, shall we say, extreme ways of getting things done.
Six – assisted by a fellow agent Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas) – also has to rescue Fitzroy and his niece, Claire, whom Carmichael kidnaps. Thus unfolds a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase!
The movie is adapted from the first book in a series of the same name by US novelist Mark Greaney. It is directed by brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, whose previous works include four Marvel Cinematic Universe films: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Civil War”, as well as “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame”.
After a limited theatrical release on July 15, “The Gray Man” was released on Netflix a week later. The streaming giant has since announced that a sequel and spinoff are under development.
Undeniably, part of the film’s appeal is Gosling and Evans in action. And they do not disappoint: Gosling, in his first feature since “First Man” in 2018, keeps viewers enthralled in his role as Six.
While his poker face throughout adds a touch of mystery to his character, there are times when this gets mildly amusing – especially when he merely grunts as he is shot in the leg or stabbed in his hand. Exactly what is this man made of?!
Evans, as the sinister Hansen, is undoubtedly far from being Captain America. He, too, charms viewers as he tackles his villainous role with ease and apparent relish – although, what is up with that moustache?
Viewers are kept on the edge of their seats with explosions, gunshots, and racing cars – all through various exotic locations such as London, Hong Kong, Vienna, and Prague. That said, the audience is taken from one scene to another at the same breakneck speed – fast! – when a little breather would provide one’s racing heart with a much-needed break.
Sadly, Armas’ Miranda is overshadowed by the leading men – a markedly different scenario from Gal Gadot’s performance in “Red Notice”, where she was able to hold her own while sharing the screen with Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds.
Young actress Julia Butters (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) is endearing as Claire, and delivers a lovely balance of teenage sass and vulnerability. It is also heartwarming to see Six displaying his human side as he develops an affectionate relationship with her.
As he evades Hansen’s team of men to stay alive and rescue both Claire and her uncle with dogged determination and courage, one can’t help but think that not all heroes wear capes – sometimes, they could even be an assassin.
All in all, with two charismatic leads and plenty of suspense, “The Gray Man” makes for an exciting Saturday night’s entertainment… or any night, really!
‘The Gray Man’ is streaming on Netflix.