Los Angeles, California – “Role Play,” the new Prime Video premiere set to debut on January 12, presents Kaley Cuoco in a role that mirrors her own multifaceted career. Cuoco plays Emma Brackett, a wife and mother who leads a double life as both a finance professional and a trained assassin. Despite her elaborate cover story, Emma’s love for her family is genuine, even if her frequent trips to tedious conferences across the Midwest are not.
However, whether Cuoco’s portrayal of Emma resonates with audiences remains uncertain. “Role Play” struggles to find its footing throughout its 95-minute duration, veering between psychological tension, action-thriller momentum, and comedic farce. The film falls into the category of streaming-service capers, reminiscent of “Ghosted” or “Red Notice,” which attempt to replicate the 1963 classic “Charade” without fully capturing its essence.
The plot revolves around Emma and her husband, Dave, who try to inject excitement into their mundane routine by role-playing. They hire a sitter, assume new identities, and simulate a first encounter at a bar. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious stranger, portrayed by Bill Nighy, reveals the truth about Emma’s secret profession. The film’s premise raises questions about how the stranger discovered Emma’s identity, as she is listed on the dark net’s most-wanted roster.
“Role Play” fails to address several crucial aspects of Emma’s life, leaving viewers with unresolved moral quandaries. Emma justifies her occasional contract killings as a means to safeguard her family’s financial and physical well-being. Nevertheless, the film neglects to explain why her job appears to exhaust her, demanding a substantial amount of her time. Inconsistencies in the script also surface when it emphasizes that Emma and Dave met eight years ago, despite their oldest child’s age suggesting otherwise.
The chemistry between Cuoco and her co-star David Oyelowo is unbalanced, with Cuoco resorting to exaggerated expressions and Oyelowo maintaining a perpetually perplexed demeanor. This lack of harmony carries over into the overall tone of the film, which attempts to straddle the line between comedy and thriller but fails to achieve a compelling fusion.
Only Bill Nighy manages to strike the right balance, infusing the preposterous material with his unique blend of dry wit and ominous charm. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie falls short, unable to reconcile the disconnected elements of espionage and a struggling marriage.
In conclusion, “Role Play” offers an intriguing concept but ultimately lacks coherence and fails to deliver a satisfying blend of genres. The film’s uncertainties and inconsistencies detract from the overall viewing experience, leaving audiences wanting more clarity and cohesion.
“Role Play,” starring Kaley Cuoco, showcases the struggles of a woman living a double life while maintaining her love for her family. Despite its promising premise, the film falters to find its identity, oscillating between different genres without achieving a cohesive narrative. As viewers navigate the complex web of Emma’s secret life, questions arise about the motivations behind her dangerous profession and the impact it has on her relationship with Dave. While some performances stand out, “Role Play” ultimately fails to strike the right balance between comedy and thriller, leaving audiences feeling unsatisfied.