Gemini Man – Film Review

Henry Brogan is an elite 51-year-old assassin who’s ready to call it quits after completing his 72nd job. His plans get turned upside down when he becomes the target of a mysterious operative who can seemingly predict his every move. To his horror, Brogan soon learns that the man who’s trying to kill him is a younger, faster, cloned version of himself.

Throughout the annals of cinema, there have been countless attempts to explore the concept of duality and self-reflection on the silver screen. Ang Lee‘s directorial venture, an action-packed thriller that delves into the depths of identity, falls into this category. While “Gemini Man” holds great promise and showcases cutting-edge technology, it ultimately fails to deliver a truly memorable and engaging experience.

The film introduces us to Henry Brogan, a highly skilled government assassin portrayed by Will Smith, who finds himself facing a unique and formidable opponent: a younger clone of himself, known as Junior. With a talented cast and the acclaimed Ang Lee at the helm, one would expect nothing short of greatness. However, despite its potential, Gemini Man struggles to rise above its shortcomings.

One of the primary issues with the film lies in its screenplay. Written by David Benioff, Billy Ray, and Darren Lemke, the narrative fails to live up to its intriguing premise. The dialogue feels contrived and lacks the depth and complexity necessary to explore the central themes effectively. Characters often speak in clichéd lines, which hampers the emotional connection between the audience and the story. Additionally, the pacing of the screenplay feels uneven, with moments of intense action followed by prolonged periods of exposition that do little to advance the plot.

The performances in Gemini Man are a mixed bag. Will Smith delivers a solid performance as both Henry and Junior, displaying his trademark charisma and skill. However, even Smith’s undeniable talent cannot compensate for the thinly written characters he is given to work with. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays Danny Zakarweski, an operative assigned to protect Henry, brings some depth to her role, but her character remains largely underdeveloped. Clive Owen, portraying the enigmatic Clay Varris, fails to leave a lasting impression, partly due to the limited screen time he is given.

Where Gemini Man truly shines is in its technical achievements. The film utilizes groundbreaking visual effects to bring the younger version of Will Smith’s character to life. The de-aging technology employed here is undeniably impressive, seamlessly blending the present-day Smith with a digitally recreated version of his younger self. The action sequences, especially the thrilling motorcycle chase through the streets of Cartagena, are expertly choreographed and visually stunning. It is in these moments that the film’s potential becomes evident.

However, the visual spectacle cannot fully compensate for the film’s lackluster storytelling. Ang Lee’s direction, while commendable in its ambition, does not elevate the material as one would hope. Lee is known for his ability to craft visually breathtaking scenes and explore complex emotions, as seen in his previous works such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain. Yet, in Gemini Man, his directorial choices feel restrained, failing to fully capture the emotional depth and resonance the film desperately needs.

In addition to the narrative and directorial shortcomings, the film’s score by Lorne Balfe is forgettable and fails to enhance the viewing experience. The music often feels generic and lacks the distinctiveness required to leave a lasting impression. A stronger musical accompaniment could have helped to elevate the film’s more intense and emotional moments.

Ultimately, Gemini Man falls short of its potential. Despite its technical achievements and a talented cast, the film fails to deliver a compelling story that fully explores its intriguing premise. The screenplay lacks depth, the characters feel underdeveloped, and the pacing feels disjointed. While the visual effects and action sequences provide moments of excitement, they are not enough to salvage the film as a whole. While it is clear that Ang Lee and his team poured their efforts into creating a visually impressive experience, Gemini Man ultimately lacks the substance required to leave a lasting impression on its audience.