Film enthusiasts are in for a treat tonight as Film4 broadcasts the widely praised sci-fi action movie, Boss Level, at 11.40pm. Hailed by fans as a hidden gem within the genre, this film offers a thrilling and clever twist on the classic time loop narrative.
A Relentless Cycle of Action and Mystery
The plot centres on Roy Pulver, a former special forces soldier played by Frank Grillo, who finds himself trapped in a relentless time loop, perpetually waking up on the day of his own murder. Forced to relive his death repeatedly, Roy must use each cycle to piece together the mystery behind his assassination while fending off a constant barrage of attacks from skilled assassins. His progress is frustratingly limited, as he has yet to survive past 1pm.
The personal stakes are high, with the story delving into Roy's relationships. He shares a son, Joe, with his estranged wife, Jemma, portrayed by the acclaimed Naomi Watts. Roy's last visit to her occurred just before he became trapped in this deadly cycle, adding an emotional core to the high-concept action.
A Stellar and Surprising Cast
Directed by Joe Carnahan, who also co-wrote the script with brothers Chris and Eddie Borey, Boss Level boasts a hugely talented ensemble cast. Hollywood giant Mel Gibson takes on the role of the villainous Colonel Clive Ventor, who is deeply entangled in the central mystery.
The cast is rounded out by British actress Annabelle Wallis, known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and The Tudors, who plays Alice, Roy's date and a dental hygienist. Adding a dose of humour is comedian Ken Jeong, ensuring the film delivers more than just relentless action.
Acclaim from Fans and Critics Alike
Despite facing numerous delays and disputes with distributors before its eventual release on Hulu in 2021, the film has garnered a dedicated following. It holds a solid 74% score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, where fans have been effusive in their praise.
One viewer commended the film's execution, stating, "It’s so hard to do a time loop and video game styled film that isn't silly or corny. This one works brilliantly... it's a journey, it has real-life lessons for us all, it’s got amazing effects, it's funny, and even the ending deserves respect. A quality experience."
Another fan highlighted its rewatchability, posting, "Absolutely brilliant, action-packed, fun movie, have watched this now multiple times, and it just gets better and better. Great story, and cleverly done... Frank Grillo is perfect in this."
A third review celebrated its fresh approach, noting, "The story is engaging and keeps your attention from start to finish... Unlike many other video game mechanisms, this one avoids the usual pitfalls and delivers something fresh and exciting."
With its perfect blend of action, clever plot, emotion, and humour, Boss Level promises to be an unmissable Friday night viewing for anyone seeking a smart and exhilarating sci-fi adventure.
Boss Level airs on Film 4 at 11.40pm tonight, Friday, November 14.
