When it comes to action comedies that combine the chaos of a failed robbery with moments of unexpected humor, The Instigators (2024) is a real breath of fresh air. Directed with captivating flair and flawlessly played by a talented cast, this film manages to deliver exactly what it promises: laughs, tension and a story in which nothing is what it seems.
At first glance, the plot seems pretty standard: Rory, a devoted father, finds himself in a desperate situation and decides to team up with a notorious con man, Cobby, to rob a corrupt politician. While their plan initially seems to be the perfect solution to Rory's financial problems and a well-deserved blow against corruption, things quickly spiral out of control.
What makes the story truly gripping is how Rory and Cobby become the targets of everyone's attention: law enforcement is on their trail, corrupt officials are demanding justice with violence, and a dangerous criminal leader wants to teach them a lesson. In a desperate attempt to escape, the two decide to seek help from Rory's psychologist, which adds a completely unexpected dimension to the film.
Casey Affleck, as the sarcastic and pragmatic Rory, delivers a remarkable performance. It's obvious that the actor had fun with the role, and this is reflected in every acidic line and moment of exaggerated panic. His savory sarcasm is one of the film's strengths and turns Rory into a character that the audience can't help but get attached to, despite his questionable choices.
Cobby, played by an actor who surprises with an almost childlike energy, brings a welcome contrast to the equation. The con man is so confident in his plans (albeit often ill-conceived) that it seems nothing can stop him, not even the prospect of failure. The dynamic between Rory and Cobby is electrifying, and the chemistry between the actors is so natural that it seems like the two have been friends for life.
- The Instigators doesn't shy away from combining humor with moments of maximum tension. Every risky situation is accompanied by a laugh-out-loud exchange, and every comical situation is spiced up with a dash of adrenaline.
A perfect example is the robbery scene itself, which starts out promising but quickly becomes a complete disaster. From the moment the two realize they've set off the alarm to their desperate escape, the entire sequence is an explosion of absurd humor. Although luck seems to be far too generous to Rory and Cobby, this adds charm to the story and emphasizes the fact that the film doesn't take itself too seriously.
Another strong point of the film is the intelligent writing. The dialogue is full of subtle humor, with Rory's sarcastic lines certainly being the most memorable. Whether he's expressing his frustration with Cobby's stupid plans or analyzing his desperate situation with a dose of self-irony, Casey Affleck shines in every scene.
It's not just the protagonists that are well written, but the supporting characters as well. The criminal leader, for example, is portrayed as a menacing antagonist, but with moments of black humor that make him fascinating. Likewise, the corrupt officials are exaggerated caricatures, but which fit the overall tone of the film perfectly.
The Instigators is the kind of film that gives you exactly what you want from an action comedy: laughs, tension, and memorable characters. With a smart script, dynamic direction, and a story that keeps you glued to the screen, The Instigators is definitely one of the best films of the genre in 2024. Whether you're looking for a hearty dose of laughs or a captivating story, this film will not disappoint.