Portraying a long-married couple in
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith,"
Parker Posey and Wagner Moura emerge as a dynamic duo. Their characters are
characterized by eccentricity, obnoxiousness, borderline terrifying
cheerfulness, and an unmistakable wild affection for each other, making them
captivating whenever they grace the screen. Their on-screen presence has the
power to captivate the entire show, infusing an anticipation that anything
might unfold in their company.
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| Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' |
Regrettably, despite their magnetic impact, Posey and Moura are guest stars. The true focal couple of the Prime Video comedy is the more subdued John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine). While "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" offers enjoyable elements with its glamorous top-secret missions set against picturesque locations, the narrative foundation relies on the somewhat shaky ground of a romance that appears more intriguing in theory than in its practical portrayal.
While labeled as a reboot of the
2005 film scripted by Simon Kinberg and featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie,
the new "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"
with Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane differs significantly from its
predecessor. The common thread lies in both projects centering on married
spies, but the similarities end there. In this version, Erskine and Glover
portray strangers posing as spouses, contrasting with the original's theme of
discovering post-marriage that they are rival operatives.
The show cleverly merges the
challenges of long-term commitment with the thrill of espionage. John and
Jane's unconventional introduction, orchestrated by an unseen boss
communicating through cute text messages, sets the stage for a relationship
that follows a familiar trajectory. The first half unfolds like a rom-com as
they breach professional boundaries, entering a cozy domesticity. In the latter
half, the honeymoon phase fades, leading to introspection about their
compatibility.
The stakes are elevated, considering their perilous missions involving drugging billionaires and handling illegal arms. While "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" performs adequately as a spy caper, the missions lack complexity, and the car chases and fistfights fail to stand out. The show navigates the unique intersection of marital challenges and high-stakes espionage, providing a blend of humor and action.
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" finds its amusement in showcasing
high-wattage cameos, featuring recognizable faces like Paul Dano, Michaela
Coel, and John Turturro playing potential allies, enemies, or marks. Ron
Perlman adds a particularly entertaining element as a hardened criminal under
John and Jane's reluctant protection, serving as the catalyst for a discussion
about having children.
However, the show's ambitions rely
on a dynamic that only partially convinces. The premise dictates a swift
development of emotions between John and Jane, but the series rushes through
their relationship beats so rapidly that key moments, like kisses or
confessions of love, lack the anticipated impact. The challenge stems from both
leads being enigmatic by professional obligation and reserved by nature. Jane,
portrayed by Erskine, is described as "robotic"
and "sociopathic,"
appearing prickly and skittish. Glover's John, with a charm set to a low
simmer, lacks the explosive chemistry of the original stars or even that of
Moura and Posey.
While John and Jane demonstrate genuine care for each other through small gestures and grand rescues, their connection generates an intriguing but ultimately unsatisfying undercurrent of sadness. The show explores a home marked by this emotional nuance but falls short of delivering a fully gratifying experience.
The disagreements driving John and
Jane apart in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"
touch on career versus family priorities, concerns about control and passivity,
and the accumulation of petty hurts and jealousies. However, the emotional
terrain sometimes feels uncomfortably authentic, conflicting with the
wish-fulfillment pleasures of glamorous locations and opulent living spaces. At
times, the protagonists appear more like children playing dress-up than
sophisticated secret agents.
The show struggles to strike the right balance between bitterness and sweetness, leaving it unclear why John and Jane are drawn to each other beyond the extreme circumstances of their work. In a moment of tension, Jane inquires about John's thoughts on their compatibility, and the response highlights the central question of how two people, especially elite secret agents, can build a life together despite seemingly insurmountable differences.
However, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" fails to sync with itself, making it
challenging to perceive John and Jane's romance as one worth fighting for. The
poignant exploration of building a life together amid differences loses its
impact due to the show's lack of coherence.
