Hit Man

Gary Johnson is a reserved college professor who takes on an unusual side gig, posing as a hit man during police sting operations to catch criminals. He keeps his civilian life careful and predictable, but when he meets Madison, a woman connected to one of those investigations, his neat routine starts to unravel. Romance mixes with professional complication as personal feelings begin to complicate evidence, loyalties, and the performance he has been trained to give. The film follows the escalating awkwardness and danger that comes from pretending to be someone you are not, while trying to maintain a relationship and stay clear of real criminal consequences.

Directed by Richard Linklater, Hit Man was co-created by Glen Powell and Skip Hollandsworth, with Powell also starring as the lead. The film premiered in 2024, drawing attention for its offbeat mix of genres and Powell's role behind and in front of the camera.

The movie opened theatrically in 2024 and had a full theatrical run, attracting audiences interested in its star-driven premise. It did not aim for blockbuster scale, instead settling into a steady commercial performance that matched its midlevel profile.

Hit Man prompted conversation for blending crime caper elements with romantic comedy beats, and for Linklater taking a lighter, more playful tone than some of his past work. Fans and viewers noted its mix of sly humor and moral awkwardness, and the chemistry between Glen Powell and Adria Arjona became a frequent talking point on social platforms and entertainment commentary.

Critical reception has been mixed to positive, reflected in an average user vote of 6.792 out of 10 from nearly 1,500 votes. Reviewers often pointed to its themes of identity, deception, and the ethics of performative police work, praising the cast chemistry while sometimes critiquing tonal shifts. Overall, it reads as a breezy, unconventional entry in Linklater's filmography that plays with genre expectations.