Ever since I watched Ilya Naishuller’s sophomore flick, Nobody (2021), starring Bob Odenkirk – a visceral action flick laced with dry, stylized humor – his name stuck in my memory. Even so, I have to admit my expectations for Heads of State were quite low. The premise sounded over-the-top even by today’s action standards, the tone seemed too goofy, and the cast – though undeniably talented – appeared to be trapped in a disposable movie, the kind you forget the moment you leave the theater – or in this case, your couch.
Heads of State, written by Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol) and Harrison Query, follows an unlikely duo of world leaders: U.S. President Will Derringer, played by John Cena (The Suicide Squad), and British Prime Minister Sam Clarke, portrayed by Idris Elba (Beast). The two are forced to team up on a covert international mission to stop a terrorist threat of global proportions. Joining them is special agent Noel Blisset, played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel).
Cena and Elba are the heart and soul of one of the year’s most unexpectedly enjoyable, genuinely funny films, showing off explosive chemistry that brings life to even the most mundane dialogue. Derringer is a former action star who rode a wave of popularity and hollow hope all the way to the White House, despite being vain and obviously unqualified. Cena leans fully into this persona, poking fun at his own public image in a caricatured but surprisingly affectionate manner. His President is ridiculous, sure, but never cynical – he sincerely wants to be an inspirational figure for the people, even if the world sees him as a walking punchline.
On the other end of the spectrum, Clarke is a stern, honest, pragmatic leader shaped by a military past that defines his work ethic and worldview. Elba adds real depth to the role, while still adapting seamlessly to the movie’s comedic tone, allowing the contrast between the leads to thrive both dramatically and humorously. This dichotomy – spectacle versus substance – is one of the film’s most compelling dynamics. The President wants to be a symbol of hope, while the Prime Minister just wants to get things done. One wants to inspire, the other wants to act. And somehow, this tension gives rise to an unexpected friendship.
Chopra is another pleasant surprise. Noel isn’t just a narrative accessory – she’s an active, vital presence in the action sequences. The actress handles extended fight choreography with impressive physicality, lending both credibility and charisma that perfectly balance out the male leads. In some scenes, Chopra downright owns the screen, and her effort deserves recognition in a genre that too often sidelines female characters.
As expected, Naishuller brings back his distinctive visual flair with highly effective results. The action scenes are creative, dynamic, and packed with physical comedy that sometimes resembles cartoon logic – only with blood and more violence, of course. One standout set piece takes place aboard a crashing plane, featuring drone shots that drop the viewer right into the chaos, fluid stunt choreography, and a cat-and-mouse missile sequence that evokes Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – though with less precision or madness.
Another highlight: Steven Price’s (Last Night in Soho) score. The musical choices are unexpected but work beautifully in both the action and comedy beats. At times, the soundtrack elevates a standard fight into something almost balletic; in others, the music itself serves as the punchline. Visually, there’s a clear eagerness to experiment: odd angles, unique transitions, and edits that occasionally defy conventional continuity. It may not appeal to everyone, but this anarchic spirit helps make Heads of State far more engaging than one would expect from a movie of this type.
Narratively, the film doesn’t stray far from the clichés of international espionage thrillers. The script is simple, and whenever it tries to get serious or deliver a deeper message – such as a NATO summit speech – it stumbles under its own pretensions. These are the few moments when Heads of State loses momentum, forgetting that its strength lies in levity, parody, and pace – not geopolitical seriousness. Thankfully, these detours are brief, and the movie quickly returns to its more energetic and entertaining rhythm.
Thematically, Heads of State also plays with the concept of modern leadership. On one hand, it questions the role of charisma in politics and how public image can overshadow competence. On the other, it reflects on the real responsibilities of those in power, and how concrete action remains the true engine of change. Through the contrast between Cena and Elba’s characters, the film suggests that perhaps the ideal lies in a balance between symbolic hope and operational pragmatism – an idea more layered than its breezy tone initially suggests.
Final Thoughts on Heads of State
Heads of State doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it pretend to. It’s an action-comedy that knows exactly what it wants to be – and thanks to the full commitment of its leads, Ilya Naishuller’s creative energy, and a light, entertaining tone, it rises above its formulaic script. John Cena and Idris Elba form an unlikely but absolutely irresistible duo, Priyanka Chopra Jonas shines as a legitimate action star, and Naishuller’s inventive vision delivers moments of pure fun. It may not leave a lasting impression, but for nearly two hours, it’s a good time. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
Rating: B
Heads of State will stream on Prime Video on July 2, 2025.
Learn more about the film at the Prime website for the title.
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