Released on Netflix in 2022, The Gray Man is an action thriller directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. It stars Ryan Gosling as Sierra Six, an assassin entrenched within the CIA's elite black ops program. Unlike other programs across various U.S. agencies, Six’s position exists within ambiguous moral boundaries — hence the film's title. Recruited by Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton), who found him serving time for killing his abusive father as a minor, Six emerges as the CIA's most effective asset. But as things unravel during one of his missions, he uncovers the dark dealings of his superior, Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page), leading to global manhunts and unexpected dangers.
Despite its impressive cast and exhilarating action, The Gray Man had critics less than thrilled. The film’s Tomatometer score languished at 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, starkly contrasted by its audience score of 90%. There’s clearly some disconnect between critics and the filmgoing public, with audiences flocking to the film and enjoying it immensely.
Many reviews categorize The Gray Man as a popcorn flick, intended primarily for entertainment rather than depth. Critics argue the film relies too much on familiar action tropes, leaving it feeling stale. Yet, there’s something to be said for pure entertainment, particularly when The Gray Man doesn't dignify itself with forced complexity. Following his initial success with films like 2020’s Extraction, the Russo brothers seemed to deliver another fun movie rather than reinvent the action genre.
Audiences found rewarding elements within the film, particularly praising the comedic performances and action sequences, which are often well-balanced amid the chaos. Gosling’s charm, coupled with Chris Evans as the antagonist Lloyd Hansen, showcases the cast's chemistry. Critics, on the other hand, seem to have struggled with the film's over-reliance on genre clichés and narrative predictability.
Many viewers enjoyed The Gray Man for what it was — unpretentious entertainment with slick action and humor. Its plot isn’t overly convoluted, making it approachable for casual viewing. The lack of distressing moral quandaries often found in modern action films helped viewers engage with the movie on lighter terms.
Certainty over the film's reception stemmed partly from the cast’s performance, as Gosling’s nuanced portrayal as Sierra Six brought relatability, even as the character made questionable moral choices. Critics have noted, 'the movie does boast of entertaining moments and thrilling set pieces,' but then they criticize the film for not elevitating beyond standard action norms — which raises the question: should all films be expected to redefine their genre?
Critique aside, The Gray Man carved out its own space, ranking among Netflix’s most-watched movies upon release. While naysayers focus on its surface-level appeal and conventional approaches to action, audiences seem to appreciate the film as merely enjoyable, allowing them to indulge without overthinking it.
Even with mixed reactions, success on streaming platforms speaks volumes. Perhaps it exemplifies the appeal of simplistic escapism, particularly amid challenging times. Those who indulged ended up satisfied and entertained, which is, after all, the primary function of movies. While critics may bemoan clichés, audiences are showing they can enjoy such familiar territory when it’s served with humor and excitement.
The Gray Man continues to stream on Netflix, garnering attention not just for its fast-paced storyline but also for the engaging performances from its leading cast. If you haven’t seen it yet, it might be the perfect time to check it out and form your own opinion. After all, the contrasting scores between critics and audiences remind us of the subjective nature of film appreciation.