Boss Level (2022) is a sci-fi action film directed by Joe Carnahan, starring Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, and Naomi Watts. The film blends elements of time-loop narratives with high-octane action, following a man who is forced to relive the same day repeatedly, attempting to find out who’s behind the endless cycle of death he experiences.

Overview:

• Director: Joe Carnahan
• Starring: Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts, Michelle Yeoh, and Annabelle Wallis
• Release Date: March 5, 2021 (U.S.)
• Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller

Plot Summary:

Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo), a former Special Forces officer, finds himself trapped in a time loop where he is hunted by a group of deadly assassins. Every day, he wakes up and must fight off a series of relentless killers who seem to be targeting him specifically. The loop resets every time Roy is killed, sending him back to the moment he wakes up in his bed.

As Roy relives the same day over and over, he becomes more skilled at surviving the attempts on his life. His journey to uncover who’s responsible for the time loop leads him to Colonel Clive Ventor (Mel Gibson), a powerful and sinister figure behind a secretive military experiment called the “Osiris Spindle.” Roy discovers that the time loop is connected to Ventor’s machine, which has the potential to manipulate time itself.

Roy must not only figure out how to break the loop but also reconnect with his estranged wife, Jemma Wells (Naomi Watts), who is involved in the creation of the time-bending technology. Along the way, Roy gains new insights into his life, his relationships, and the forces that are shaping his destiny.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Time Loops: Similar to other films like Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow, Boss Level revolves around the concept of a time loop where the protagonist relives the same day. This plot device allows for action-packed sequences to play out repeatedly, with the main character learning more each time.
• Personal Growth: Despite its action-heavy nature, Boss Level also explores themes of personal growth and redemption. Roy starts off as a man disconnected from his loved ones and his past, but the repeated loop forces him to confront his mistakes and try to make things right, particularly with his wife and son.
• Survival and Strategy: Much of the film is driven by Roy’s increasingly creative and strategic attempts to survive the day. Each time he dies, he learns something new about his enemies, allowing him to last a bit longer and move closer to his ultimate goal of breaking the loop.

Characters:

• Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo): A tough, resilient protagonist, Roy is a former Special Forces soldier who becomes a skilled tactician as he learns how to navigate the challenges of his repeating day. His sarcastic humor and no-nonsense attitude keep the film lively, even as the stakes increase.
• Colonel Clive Ventor (Mel Gibson): The villain of the story, Ventor is a corrupt military officer with plans to use time-manipulating technology for his own gain. His ruthless and cunning nature makes him a formidable antagonist for Roy.
• Jemma Wells (Naomi Watts): Roy’s estranged wife, Jemma, is a scientist who helped develop the time-loop technology. Her relationship with Roy is central to the emotional core of the film, as Roy tries to reconnect with her and uncover the truth about the experiment.
• Dai Feng (Michelle Yeoh): A martial arts instructor who helps Roy along the way, teaching him valuable combat skills that he uses to survive the increasingly dangerous assassins.

Action and Visuals:

Boss Level delivers intense and fast-paced action scenes, with a unique twist thanks to the time-loop concept. As Roy repeatedly dies and respawns, the film incorporates various creative and often humorous ways for him to meet his demise, blending brutal action with dark comedy. The fight choreography is high-energy, and the repeated encounters with the same assassins offer a chance for the audience to see Roy improve and evolve as a fighter with each loop.

The film uses stylish visual effects, particularly during Roy’s deaths and respawns, to maintain a sense of novelty even though the same day plays out over and over. The time-loop structure also allows for some fun, unexpected plot twists, keeping the story fresh despite its repetition.

Tone and Humor:

Boss Level strikes a balance between action and humor, with Frank Grillo’s dry, sarcastic wit often lightening the tone of the film. The repetitive nature of Roy’s deaths allows for some absurd and darkly comedic moments, making the film feel playful even as the violence escalates. Mel Gibson’s portrayal of the villainous Colonel Ventor adds another layer of dry menace, creating an engaging dynamic between the two leads.

Reception:

Boss Level was generally well-received by critics and audiences for its entertaining action, solid performances, and the fun twist on the time-loop concept. Frank Grillo’s performance was particularly praised for anchoring the film with his charismatic, action-hero presence. The film was seen as a fun, escapist action flick that didn’t take itself too seriously, offering plenty of adrenaline-fueled sequences and clever moments.

However, some critics noted that while Boss Level was entertaining, it didn’t push the boundaries of the time-loop genre as much as it could have, with its formula becoming predictable in some areas. Nonetheless, it was lauded for being an enjoyable, fast-paced action movie with a strong sense of humor.

Conclusion:

Boss Level is a thrilling, high-octane ride with a creative take on the time-loop trope, driven by Frank Grillo’s strong lead performance and a mix of humor and action. It’s a fun, action-packed film that offers an entertaining experience for fans of sci-fi thrillers and time-manipulation narratives.