It looks as though one of the best-reviewed films of the fall fests will only be released in 2024.
Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” was a critical darling at Venice and TIFF, but that wasn’t enough for Netflix to give it a release for this year’s Oscars. I guess Linklater’s film isn’t what you’d call token Oscar-bait, but critics might have pushed this one forward.
Netflix bought the film at TIFF for $20 million. It was the biggest deal of the festival. They also bought Anna Kendrick’s “Woman of the Hour,” for $11 million, and that one is also said to be a 2024 release.
“Hit Man” stars Glenn Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick”) as Gary Johnson, a police staff investigator who plays the role of a hit man to catch individuals ordering a hit. He ends up falling hard for Madison (Adria Arjona) whom he talks out of a hit on her abusive husband.
This was a surprisingly sexy noir from Linklater. It kept messing with my head as characters switched identities, and lies upon lies got piled up. It’s also darkly funny. Powell’s shape-shifting performance is a career booster, but I must also mention Adria Arjona as the femme fatale — she’s stunning. Her chemistry with Powell in this film is electric.
No word yet as to when Netflix will release “Hit Man.” Don’t be surprised if they release it in the Spring — I don’t believe they’ll be campaigning it during next year’s awards season.
Netflix’s Oscar slate is a peculiar one this year. Their top dog in the race is probably Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro.” They don’t have much else in Best Picture contention, maybe “Rustin” or “Nyad” could sneak in, but they are long shots.