Hit Man 2024

As the film embarks on its journey, a brief prologue establishes that the events that unfold are largely rooted in reality. The story begins in a college setting where Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a professor of philosophy, is delivering a lecture on Nietzsche’s ideas to his students. One student interprets the philosopher’s words as an encouragement to take risks and put oneself out there, prompting Gary to concur. However, he’s soon confronted with the harsh reality that he hasn’t been living up to his own advice - at least not when it comes to his personal life.

Gary narrates his mundane existence, revealing a man who has resigned himself to solitude, surrounded by his two feline companions, Id and Ego. In his free time, Gary has been secretly collaborating with the New Orleans Police Department to apprehend contract killers. The department’s usual undercover operative, Jasper (Austin Amelio), has been suspended due to his brutal treatment of teenagers, leaving Gary as the only viable replacement. With the blessing of officers Claudette (Retta) and Phil (Sanjay Rao), Gary is tasked with assuming Jasper’s role and posing as a hitman for the police’s target, a man known only as their would-be assassin.

Gary’s initial reluctance to take on this new identity quickly gives way to his growing sense of unease. As he prepares to embody the persona of “Billy,” he can’t shake off the fear of being caught or worse - killed. Despite these reservations, Gary reluctantly agrees to play along and meets with the prospective client, Craig (Mike Markoff). To everyone’s surprise, including Claudette and Phil’s, Gary successfully transforms into Billy, convincingly portraying a deranged and psychotic hitman.

As Gary navigates this new life as Billy, he finds himself increasingly entrenched in the world of contract killings. He takes on various personas, each one designed to cater to his clients’ twisted desires. Whether it’s attending trials as a defense attorney or posing as a hitman, Gary becomes adept at manipulating his way through the system. Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Gary’s newfound confidence begins to rub off on his students, who find themselves becoming more engaged and attentive.

Despite the moral ambiguity of Gary’s actions, he starts to see tangible results - justice is served, albeit imperfectly. Some would-be killers face the consequences of their actions, while others slip through the cracks. As Gary delves deeper into this world, it becomes clear that his dual life as a professor and a hitman is not without its costs.

As Gary delves deeper into his new assignment, he’s presented with a digital dossier on enigmatic woman Madison Figueroa Masters (Adria Arjona), whose online presence suggests a pristine record, both personal and criminal. Intrigued by this paradox, Gary sets out to uncover more about her, assuming the alias “Ron” as he initiates a meeting at a local diner. Madison, it turns out, is on the cusp of making a life-altering decision: she’s resolved to have her husband Ray (Evan Holtzman) taken care of, unable to stomach their troubled marriage any longer.

Gary, however, finds himself irreversibly drawn to Madison and persuades her to reconsider her plans. Instead of orchestrating Ray’s demise, he convinces her to take the money and start anew. This unorthodox approach earns him disapproval from his colleagues Claudette and Phil, who deem it inexcusable for Gary to let a potential client slip through his fingers.

Meanwhile, Jasper returns to the fold, only to discover that his superiors have grown increasingly fond of Gary’s work ethic and prefer to keep Jasper under wraps to protect their department’s reputation. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Madison reaches out to “Ron” with an invitation to a dog adoption fair – a prospect that holds little appeal for this self-proclaimed cat enthusiast.

Their chance encounter at the park proves pivotal, as Madison reveals her plans to divorce Ray and begins to see Gary in a different light. His rapport with the dogs and children on hand belies his menacing hitman persona, revealing instead a more approachable individual. As their relationship blossoms, they keep their affair under wraps from Gary’s superiors.

A fateful evening finds Madison and Gary out on a date when they’re spotted by an inebriated Ray and his companion. The encounter ends with Ray issuing veiled threats against Madison, prompting Gary to intervene, gun drawn. They retreat to grab dinner, only for Gary to become increasingly anxious upon encountering Jasper, who approaches them under the guise of an old acquaintance.

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Gary’s latest assignment comes in the form of “Mike”, an enigmatic client who requests his services once more. However, Gary soon discovers that this mysterious individual is none other than Ray, a ruthless operator with a deadly agenda. Ray wants Gary to eliminate Madison and her new beau, but our protagonist has other plans. He confronts Ray at the diner, exposing himself and sending the would-be hitman fleeing in terror. With his cover blown, Gary decides to warn Madison about the impending danger, cautioning her that Ray intends to make her a target.

As Gary later receives news of Ray’s untimely demise from an apparent drug deal gone awry, he makes his way to Madison’s doorstep to share the tidbit. But instead of being surprised by the revelation, she reveals that she had taken matters into her own hands and ended Ray’s life after Gary informed her of his sinister intentions. A stunned Gary must then confess to Madison that he was never a hitman, but rather a con artist who had been spinning a web of deceit around her.

Madison is understandably incensed by this betrayal and orders Gary to leave her be. However, the police are quick to pounce on the opportunity, naming Madison as the prime suspect in Ray’s murder. It turns out that Ray had recently increased his life insurance policy by a whopping $1 million, with Madison listed as the sole beneficiary. The authorities plan to use Gary as bait, having him go undercover at Madison’s residence and coax her into confessing to the crime while they secretly monitor their conversation.

Gary must navigate this treacherous situation carefully, using his cunning and wit to keep Madison one step ahead of the law. He manages to tip her off about the police’s plan, allowing her to put on a convincing show of innocence and temporarily avoid suspicion. When Gary attempts to visit Madison again, he finds Jasper waiting for him at her doorstep. The would-be blackmailer is planning to exploit Ray’s insurance policy for his own gain.

Madison cordially welcomes Jasper into their home, offering him a beer as they listen patiently to his scheme. However, she has other plans in mind and subtly drug his beverage. As Jasper becomes increasingly disoriented, Gary sees an opportunity to take control of the situation. He places a plastic bag over Jasper’s head, informing Madison that they will stage his “suicide” since he is already notorious for his questionable behavior.

With their plan set in motion, Gary and Madison confess their love for each other as Jasper takes his final breaths. As the authorities arrive to investigate Jasper’s sudden demise, our protagonists are ready to face whatever consequences come their way.

As the years unfold, Gary’s teaching endeavors flourish, necessitating an upgrade to a more spacious classroom as his student body continues to grow. This newfound prosperity is mirrored in his personal life, where he has found harmony with his loving wife Madison, and together they have sired two delightful children and taken in not one, but two adoring canine companions. Amidst this domestic bliss, their daughter inquisitively probes her parents about the circumstances of their initial encounter. Gary and Madison, ever the storytellers, weave a charming narrative around their meeting at a quaint cafe, where they allegedly discovered an unspoken connection that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives.

In a poignant coda, the film pays tribute to the real-life inspiration behind Gary’s character, the late Gary Johnson (may he rest in peace). This remarkable individual left an indelible mark on those around him as a devoted college professor, battle-hardened war veteran, passionate animal lover, and - perhaps most impressively - a Buddhist with an unwavering commitment to non-violence. As a testament to his extraordinary spirit, Gary Johnson remained a murder-free zone throughout the entirety of his remarkable life.