Kaley Cuoco’s character Emma sports two distinct identities. She is a loving wife to Dave, played by David Oyelowo, and a doting mother to their two children. But when she's not fulfilling her family duties, she is a daring, undercover assassin. Her frequent undercover activities take a toll on her family life, leading to missed anniversaries and feelings of emotional detachment. However, things take an unexpected turn when a playful, erotic role-play rendezvous between Emma and Dave unmasks Emma's double life, sending their lives into disarray.
While Dave grapples with this shocking revelation at home, Emma lands in Europe, fighting for her right to return to a safe, normal life with her family. Billed as an action-comedy combined with a smattering of family drama, ‘Role Play’ struggles to effectively deliver on any front. Seth W. Owens’ screenplay dives into the familial discord without laying a solid emotional groundwork. Despite the shaky script foundation, the story barrels forward almost recklessly, providing just enough context for the audience to comprehend before hurtling them into the next plot point.
Surprisingly, 'Role Play' isn't the joyride it promised to be. Oyelowo's Dave provides a few instances of comic relief with his exasperated one-liners, but these moments are few and far between. Cuoco’s performance, on the other hand, is a letdown. Audiences familiar with her sparkling comic timing in 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'The Flight Attendant', will find her performance lacking depth and punch.
‘Role Play’ also falls short in showcasing the intriguing world of Emma's criminal syndicate. Initially showing a world where she could confront a rival hitman at any moment, the movie later glosses over the details, leaving the audience in the dark. Furthermore, the film never capitalizes on the inherent intensity or tension offered by her precarious situation.
Boasting feeble action sequences and sparse laughter, ‘Role Play’ feels unfinished. While it starts with a strong premise of a woman's quest to protect her family, the film frequently stalls, failing to reach its desired destination.
