DEEP COVER (AMAZON PRIME) (2025)

SYNOPSIS: DEEP COVER is a fast-paced action comedy starring Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, an improv comedy teacher beginning to question if she’s missed her shot at success. When an undercover cop (Sean Bean) offers her the role of a lifetime, she recruits two of her students (Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed) to infiltrate London’s gangland by impersonating dangerous criminals.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Famously known for helming Jurassic World, Colin Trevorrow is probably the last person you’d associate with comedy. Yet here he is co-writing and producing Deep Cover, a London-set crime comedy starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom.

The film follows Kay (Howard), a struggling stand-up comedian; Marlon (Bloom), a wannabe actor; and Hugh (Nick Mohammed), an IT executive who are all recruited by a detective (Sean Bean) to use their improv skills to go undercover and help bust a counterfeit cigarette ring.

Offered £200 each and with little to lose, Kay is desperate for cash, Marlon is determined to become a serious actor and Hugh just wants some friends, the trio agrees. But instead of infiltrating a counterfeit cigarette ring, they accidentally stumble into the world of mid-level criminal Fly (Paddy Considine) and his ruthless boss, Metcalfe (Ian McShane).

The stakes suddenly become much higher. Surely this bunch of amateur improv comedians can handle it, right? Worst-case scenario, they either help the police arrest Metcalfe and his Albanian associates or risk ending up dead.

Deep Cover turns out to be a surprisingly sweet treat that never overstays its welcome. The screenplay is sharp and the humor often borders on the ridiculous, largely thanks to the committed performances of the leading cast. Bloom is outstanding as Marlon, a wannabe “method” actor who adopts the persona of Roach, a wildly impulsive maniac who tries to muscle his way out of every situation. Ironically, Marlon is the only character taking things seriously, which makes him the most ridiculous of them all.

Bryce Dallas Howard and Nick Mohammed also have their standout moments. Kay has to contend with friends who have little faith in her improv career, while Hugh hilariously ends up snorting a few grams of cocaine to prove its authenticity. These small, absurd moments help make the characters feel real, even in such an outrageous plot.

While the film features occasional bursts of violence and a handful of action sequences, the writing team wisely leans on frantic plot twists and physical comedy to keep the audience engaged. The humor and pacing work perfectly together, making the film both breezy and entertaining.

Ultimately, Deep Cover is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. And it has to be said, Orlando Bloom is nearly perfect in the role of Marlon.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee