Outcome
review by Bobby Blakey
Jonah Hill has had a great career from comedy star to dramatic 2-time Academy Award nominee. In 2018 he made his directorial debut with his film Mid90s setting him on a whole path in his career. Now he is serving triple duty for his latest film Outcome as director, co-writer and actor with the film featuring an impressive cast including Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, Martin Scorsese, Susan Lucci, Laverne Cox, David Spade, Atsuko Okatsuka, Roy Wood Jr., Kaia Gerber, Ivy Wolk and more. Could this film be another great step for his directorial career or will it fail to find its forgiveness?
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Outcome follows Reef Hawk, a beloved Hollywood star who must dive into the depths of his hidden demons after he is extorted with a mysterious video that’s sure to shatter his image and end his career. With the support of his lifelong besties, Kyle and Xander, along with his crisis lawyer, Ira, Reef embarks on a soul-searching journey to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer.
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I became an instant fan of all things Jonah Hill from the first time I saw him in his small role in 40-Year-Old Virgin. He has reinvented himself numerous times through the types of roles he plays but also his looks and vibe which I have loved. For this film he brings a dark comedy drama tone that peeks into the world of celebrities in ways that are no doubt from experiences that all of them in the cast have likely experienced in some fashion, but it’s more than that. There is a deeper character story here about how one’s life actions affect those around them, but also the importance of simple gestures of life.
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In relation to straight performance, I think this is one of Reeves best in years. Sure, he is awesome and badass as John Wick, but there is so much more depth here to his tortured spirit and inner demons of his past. He rarely smiles
throughout the film, and his journey is one of familiarity to more than just the famous. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that he borrowed from some of his own experiences for the role and it shines through to success.
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The rest of the cast are good with Diaz and Boomer as his closest friends and confidants. They are uplifting, funny and high energy that brings a different tone to the otherwise heavy scenes. Unsurprisingly Jonah Hill’s unhinged energetic Ira is my favorite outside of Reeves. He is all over the place, with high energy and pure chaos all while trying to do the right thing to help Reef. He goes all in with the role bringing his passion for the entire project to his performance and making it both heartfelt and hilarious in every scene.
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The film doesn’t feel like the level of talent involved and instead like an indie film and it helps the finished product. It weaves the drama and dark comedy to perfection with a final scene that is the perfect final statement to his entire journey. I really enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would and glad once again further impressed with Hill’s directing skills and look forward to seeing what more his future films have to say.
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Despite for yourself and check out Outcome streaming now on AppleTV+.