Film Fridays: "Nobody"

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of The Collegian.

“Nobody” is a film that I have been looking forward to since the trailer was released in December. “Better Call Saul” is one of my favorite television shows, so anything starring Bob Odenkirk has my full attention.

From what I gathered from the trailer, the film seemed to be in the vein of “John Wick,” in which an older man who seemingly has a normal life gets involved with a group of bad people and soon finds himself on a killing spree. The “John Wick” franchise is phenomenal, and if “Nobody” could be half as good as those films, then I would consider it a success.

It makes sense that “John Wick” writer Derek Kolstad also wrote “Nobody,” as the film is similar in terms of plot and structure. With that being said, I did not mind -- this film had its own flair which sets it apart from “John Wick.”

“Nobody” follows Hutch “Nobody” Mansell, played by Odenkirk, who lives a repetitive life. He is a relatively bored man who works an office job and cares for his family in his suburban home. 

When intruders break into his house and attack his son, Mansell decides not to attack them, even though the opportunity presents itself. Mansell has a golf club in his hand and stands behind the intruders but does not swing, which results in resentment from his family, friends and colleagues.

Down in the dumps, Mansell makes it his mission to seek proper retaliation. As a retired secret assassin, he decides to track down the intruders and go on a killing rampage. 

The film then takes a turn from a solid human drama to an action-packed thriller.

“Nobody” is one of the best films I have seen in 2021. While the plot is straightforward without much depth, I found Odenkirk’s performance and the incredible fighting sequences stunning.

Mansell’s situation differs from Wick’s in that he has to ensure his family is safe constantly. Wick, on the other hand, only has to protect himself. Additionally, Mansell is more prone to cracking one-liners and easing the tension than Wick.

Odenkirk’s performance makes the film more enjoyable to watch and less overwhelming when absorbing the graphic violence. If I have not made it clear, this film is not for the faint of heart, as it features many scenes consisting of disturbing and gruesome violence, similar to “Boss Level.”

“Nobody” is a film I found genuinely entertaining from start to finish. There have been some rumblings about a “Nobody” and “John Wick” crossover film, which would be incredible.

If you enjoy action-thrillers, “Nobody” is a gem in the genre. It is not a perfect film, but certainly memorable for what it is.

“Nobody” is playing in theaters and is available to stream on Amazon for $19.99. It is a film that stands out in its genre and is worth a watch for Odenkirk’s performance alone.

Contact columnist Miles Goldman at miles.goldman@richmond.edu.