Role Play

Role Play is a fun and adventurous romp, with a title that presents two very different meanings: a sexual reference to the act of role-playing characters, and the fake names and pretence a person takes on when they’re in the dangerous world of contract killing and underground criminal work. Starring Kaley Cuoco, David Oyelowo and Bill Nighy, the story goes: Emma (Cuoco) lives a double life – the dutiful and loving wife to Dave (Oyelowo) and their two children, and an international assassin with a bounty to her name. Having forgotten their seventh anniversary, Emma tries to make it up to Dave by suggesting a role-playing game in which the two would meet as strangers in a hotel. Unfortunately for her, work never stops and Emma’s secrets and the sanctity of her family are threatened by the life she tries so desperately to separate herself from.

The script is witty, with lots of colourful banter between the different characters. Dave and Emma’s dynamic is especially endearing – Emma’s extremely serious and lethal presentation contrasts well with Dave’s comedic tendencies and his utter ignorance of Emma’s work. Their two kids, Wyatt and Caroline, add even more ridicule to the already very dire situation the couple faces, providing comedic relief with casual reminders that even though mum and dad need to fight bad guys and save the family, kids will do what kids do: complain, play games and overcomplicate things. These interactions further add to the thought of Emma finding strength in love and motherhood. Despite her extreme capabilities, she is at her best when protecting her family and standing side-by-side with Dave. The humour in the dialogue is paired with long-dragging scenes that intensify the awkwardness and create tension for action sequences.

Speaking of which, the action is one of the weaker aspects of Role Play, especially in the first act. Fast-paced and clumsy, there’s not much strategic thought put into the choreography. Throughout the film, viewers will come to realise that this is by design. Action sequences are less about ingenious tactics and mind games between the opposing characters, and more like tools to enhance the comedy. There’s a lot of omission in these sequences and more dialogue than actual action, so the viewers don’t focus too much on the fight taking place but rather on the story being told – of Dave and Emma working together. Most of the energy for these parts is attributed to an electric soundtrack and quick cuts between Dave and Emma facing off their respective opponents.

Carried by charming characters and a very playful script, Role Play is reminiscent in plot to Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow film – of a young woman trained to be a killer and breaking free from that life. But unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe mishap, Role Play doesn’t overextend itself. It’s a film that knows its limits and strengths and plays off of that; the action sequences aren’t overly ambitious and it focuses more on its characters’ relationship rather than any philosophical message of right or wrong. It’s an enjoyable watch but nothing more beyond that.

Mae Trumata

Role Play is released on Prime Video on 12^th January 2024.

Watch the trailer for Role Play here: