Role Play premieres on Prime Video January 12.
It’s clear to see why Kaley Cuoco might be drawn to the role of Emma Brackett, the morally complex protagonist of Role Play. Emma, a wife and mother living a double life as an assassin, resonates with Cuoco’s own experience as a long-standing TV personality. Having portrayed Penny on The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco understands the complexity of living a life grounded in reality while also treading in fictional worlds.
However, while the premise is intriguing, the delivery falls short. Role Play struggles to find its identity, oscillating between action-thriller, psychological drama, and comedy. The end result is a film that feels like a half-hearted attempt at capturing the essence of classic thrillers like Charade.
The film revolves around Emma and Dave’s attempt to inject excitement into their mundane lives through a role-playing exercise. However, the plot loses its footing when Emma’s mysterious past catches up with her, leading to a series of dubious subplots and unexplained coincidences.
While Cuoco and Oyelowo attempt to breathe life into their characters, the overall execution feels disjointed. Cuoco veers towards overacting, while Oyelowo fails to find his footing in the comedic elements of the film. This lack of cohesion leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and their plights.
Ultimately, Role Play misses the mark in blending its various genres seamlessly. The espionage elements feel disconnected from the central narrative, and the reasons behind the couple’s relationship struggles are brushed aside rather than explored. Despite Bill Nighy’s adept portrayal, the film falls short of creating a convincing and engaging story.