In HITMAN (2025), director Richard Linklater delivers an unexpected twist on the action-thriller formula by infusing it with philosophical depth, moral ambiguity, and a charismatic performance by Glen Powell that turns a classic hitman story on its head. Based loosely on a real-life undercover agent who posed as a contract killer to take down criminals, HITMAN plays with layers of performance, truth, and deception in a way that makes it more than just another film about guns and gangsters.
Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a mild-mannered philosophy professor by day and undercover operative by night, adopts a series of deadly personas to pose as a hitman for hire. When he meets Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman desperate to escape her abusive husband, the line between role-play and real identity blurs. As Gary falls deeper into his character and deeper in love, the job he once performed with cool calculation becomes a dangerous game with moral consequences. The film builds a compelling narrative where each persona Gary wears says more about him than the man he claims to be.
This isn’t your typical contract killer film. Instead of a cold-blooded assassin, HITMAN gives us a layered protagonist who is as lost in identity as he is competent in manipulation. The film explores the performance of self, the ethics of deception, and whether becoming someone else can ever reveal who we truly are. Powell’s performance is magnetic, bringing wit, depth, and a touch of danger to every scene.
Linklater’s direction, usually associated with slice-of-life dramas and philosophical meanderings (Boyhood, Before Sunrise), surprisingly fits this genre blend well. With clever writing, stylish cinematography, and a pulsing jazz-inflected score, the film keeps viewers engaged not just in the suspense but in the internal drama unraveling within Gary’s mind.
While HITMAN (2025) wraps its story with satisfying ambiguity, rumors swirl that a follow-up is in the works—tentatively titled HITMAN: DOUBLE TAP. If the sequel goes forward, it could explore the aftermath of Gary’s choices as he is pulled into a more organized criminal world that sees through his disguises. Madison, now implicated in a mysterious disappearance, may return with secrets of her own, forcing Gary to choose between his morality and survival. With more sophisticated enemies, government scrutiny, and rising stakes, the next chapter could dive deeper into the psychological toll of living a lie—especially when the mask becomes the man.
HITMAN (2025) is a witty, thrilling, and emotionally intelligent entry into the crime genre. It’s as much about psychology as it is about bullets, and it stands out for its clever writing and charismatic lead. If the imagined sequel becomes a reality, fans will surely line up for another shot.
