The Gray Man
Ryan Gosling plays Sierra Six, a spy with a knack for getting into trouble. When a mission goes sideways, Six finds himself on the run, pursued by a ruthless former colleague, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), and aided by the mysterious Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas). As the stakes escalate, Six must navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth and clear his name.
Anthony and Joe Russo
Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Regé-Jean Page, Billy Bob Thornton
Review
If you've ever wondered what it would be like if Ryan Gosling traded in his charming smiles for spy gadgets and high-octane action, The Gray Man is here to answer that question. Directed by the Russo brothers of Avengers: Endgame fame, this Netflix blockbuster aims high but fails to reach superheroic heights.
Gosling's Sierra Six is a spy with a heart of gold and a penchant for getting caught up in explosive situations. When he's framed for a crime he didn't commit, Six goes from spy to fugitive in the blink of an eye. It's a shame that his character development seems to have been left on the cutting room floor, as Six comes across more as a collection of spy movie clichés than a fully fleshed-out character.
Enter Chris Evans as Lloyd Hansen, the yin to Six's yang. Evans brings a manic energy to the role, portraying Hansen as a relentless force of nature with a penchant for destruction. Unfortunately, the script fails to give Evans much to work with, and his character comes across as more cartoonish than menacing. Ana de Armas is woefully underutilised as Dani Miranda, a fellow spy who joins Six on his quest for justice. Despite her undeniable talent, de Armas is given little to do beyond looking concerned and occasionally shooting a gun. It's a missed opportunity in a movie filled with them.
The Gray Man struggles with a reliance on special effects and exaggerated action sequences. While these elements can enhance a movie's appeal, here they feel overused, failing to leave a lasting impact and suggesting a prioritisation of style over substance. However, if action is all you’re after then this is where you could say the film really shines. The action sequences are as explosive and adrenaline-fueled as you'd expect from the directors of Avengers: Endgame. A standout sequence set in a town square is a masterclass in tension and choreography, showcasing the Russo brothers' skill in delivering thrilling action.
However, these moments of action-packed greatness are few and far between, lost in a sea of murky lighting and uninspired storytelling. The Gray Man seems content to coast on its star power and flashy set pieces, never quite finding its footing as a cohesive, engaging film.
In the end, The Gray Man is a missed opportunity, a movie that aims for the stars but falls short of reaching them. While Gosling and Evans do their best with the material they're given, they can't quite elevate The Gray Man above its clichéd storyline and lacklustre execution.
Final Thoughts
The Gray Man is a fun but forgettable entry in the spy thriller genre, relying too heavily on star power and not enough on originality. While it has its moments, they are few and far between, lost in a sea of clichés and missed opportunities. If you're a fan of Gosling or Evans, you may find some enjoyment here, but for most viewers, The Gray Man will fade from memory as quickly as it appeared on screen.
