by Rosa Parra
At this year’s Academy Awards, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt presented a video honoring and chronicling the evolution of stunts and their community. We saw the grandfather of stunts, Buster Keaton, all the way up to the most recent films like “John Wick: Chapter 4.” This single-handedly revived the conversation about the Academy Awards creating a category acknowledging and rewarding stunt performers. It was fitting since both actors are the stars of “The Fall Guy,” a movie that follows Colt Seavers (Gosling), a stunt performer who stepped away from film work for over a year. After being convinced to return, Seavers must face the indifference of the film director Jody (Blunt) while navigating the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the film star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Directed by David Leitch (a former stunt performer), this movie is told from a unique and much-needed perspective.
The chemistry between Blunt and Gosling is palpable and their back-and-forth banter is just an entertaining delight. Both of their comedic timing further elevates the hilarity of the movie. It’s evident the amount of detail and homage to the action genre is shown throughout, from throwing iconic lines from classic films to naming characters after legendary action stars.
The film does revolve around the romance between Colt and Jody, but the heartbeat and essence is the stunt community. By detailing the hardships, challenges and even extreme dangers the profession demands, we get a personal level of insight to what the community experiences. There are several scenes that aid in sending that specific message across, but there is one scene in particular that has stayed with me. Colt is riding a boat and is on a phone call with Jody when he admits the physical exhaustion he experiences during every stunt. Gosling’s sincere performance adds to the impact, but it’s the specificity of the dialogue that makes this scene substantial.
The movie showcases the arduous collaborative work it takes to make an action film, while touching upon the deep fake, when another person’s face is digitally placed onto the stunt double’s face, and how that is becoming more popular throughout the industry. In an era where visual effects and green screen is in every film, the practical effects in this movie bring refreshing visuals to the big screen.
The mystery regarding the protagonist of the movie being made (“Metal Storm”) is an engaging one as well. We witness Tom Ryder’s entitlement and overly self-centered personality. He refuses to do his own stunts but also gets offended when he’s asked if he performs his own stunts.
“The Fall Guy” left me feeling more grateful for the stunt community, the group of people responsible for the “cool” fighting sequences and saving the actors from any potential injuries (unless you’re Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan or Michelle Yeoh). It’s an unfortunate scenario that many of us just sit in a movie theater experiencing the final product while completely ignoring the hardwork and dedication infused in film. Luckily, this movie goes behind the scenes and explores those various facets of filmmaking. Stay for the credits since they present a series of behind-the-scenes stunts done for this movie. I was in awe of all the hard work invested for the sake of entertainment. Make sure to stay for that mid-credit scene too (a special cameo).
Overall, “The Fall Guy” is a much needed tribute and spotlight on the massively overlooked, but important part of action films: the stunt community. It’s hilarious, entertaining, action-packed with the perfect dose of romantic moments.
4.5/5
Film Critic, Rosa Parra, also contributes to The Daily Chela and Rotten Tomatoes. You can also follow her on X.