Heads of State (2025): A modern buddy movie where action and humor intersect

1. Overview of the work and production background

"Heads of State" is an action comedy film that will be released worldwide simultaneously on Amazon Prime Video in July 2025. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, known for "Hardcore Henry" and "Nobody," the film stars John Cena, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra. This project is a major original content produced by Amazon Studios, aiming to target the global streaming market. The premise, which places leaders of powerful nations like the United States and the United Kingdom at the center of events, combines the tension of modern international politics with intriguing elements, enhancing its popular appeal. Blending the buddy action genre with political themes and large-scale action spectacles, this film is designed as an "entertainment-focused action movie," opting for a strategy that captivates audiences through character-driven humor and dazzling visuals rather than political messages.

2. Characteristics of Plot and Setting

The film begins with a failed operation by an MI6 agent during the La Tomatina festival in Spain. Following this, U.S. President Will Deering and British Prime Minister Sam Clarke are targeted in a terrorist attack while airborne en route to a NATO summit, leading to the downing of Air Force One and their subsequent isolation near Belarus. By chance, they end up in the same hideout and begin to collaborate against the schemes of an international terrorist organization and internal traitors. The two nations differ in ideology and leadership styles, yet under extreme circumstances, they come to understand each other, revealing their human sides beyond the titles of 'heads of state.' The film unfolds more along the lines of satire and fiction than realistic international relations. However, elements such as NATO's stature, the show of force by terrorist organizations, and the collapse of leader protection systems serve as symbolic attributes reflecting the modern international order.

3. Director's Directing Style and Genre Identity

Ilya Naishuller maintains the hyper-action and experimental directing techniques showcased in his previous work in this piece as well. The camera movements are particularly dazzling, and the shootouts and chase scenes are characterized by a game-like sense of speed and exaggerated direction that transcends the laws of physics. 'Heads of State' fundamentally belongs to the 'buddy movie' genre, depicting the contrasting personalities and roles of two male characters while unfolding drama and humor simultaneously. While adhering to a traditional structure, the film distinguishes itself by providing a modern sensibility through dense action and a global backdrop. Additionally, the director focuses on the 'human drama occurring within the framework of politics' rather than on political satire. Themes such as nuclear weapons, alliances, and diplomatic rifts serve merely as background settings, ultimately centering on the growth and relationship of the two leaders.

4. The Acting and Chemistry of the Main Cast

John Cena plays the role of U.S. President Will Dellinger, portraying a strong yet flawed character with a relatable human quality. Along with his physical presence as a former WWE wrestler, his comedic timing brings out the duality of this character effectively. Idris Elba plays the cold and calculating British Prime Minister Sam Clarke, clearly contrasting with John Cena. He expresses inner turmoil beneath a calm exterior and convincingly showcases his gradual transformation into a cooperative figure during a crisis. The chemistry between the two characters is the core driving force of the film. The emotional flow from initial distrust and opposition, through conflict resolution in the middle, to collaboration and mutual trust in the latter part provides the audience with both laughter and empathy. Priyanka Chopra appears as MI6 agent Noel Bisse, a key figure in the operation, demonstrating that female characters can function not just as mere supporters but as direct conflict resolvers. She navigates a wide spectrum of combat, intelligence operations, and psychological assessments, maintaining the balance of the narrative.

5. Criticism and Reception Response

Critics are giving somewhat mixed reviews for "Heads of State." On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics' score is around 70%, while the audience score is recorded at about 80%, indicating a generally positive reception. Positive reviews include The Week's description of it as "the perfect summer movie" and "entertainment filled with cool explosions throughout." TechRadar also expressed that it is "really dumb but also really fun," analyzing that it offers high satisfaction to viewers who prefer lighter action films over complex ones. On the other hand, AP News criticized it for "simple humor and reliance on clichés, lacking political depth." Common Sense Media pointed out that while it may be enjoyable for teens, it could be superficial for adults. There was also criticism regarding the CG quality in the third act and the excessively elaborate plot twists. Ultimately, while this movie may disappoint viewers seeking political satire or narrative depth, it has established itself as content that provides high satisfaction for the public who enjoy entertainment, speed, and action.

6. Current Status of Domestic Services and Viewing Accessibility

"Heads of State" is officially streaming in Korea through Amazon Prime Video. As of July 2025, the Korean service of Prime Video offers Korean subtitles by default, and some scenes also support Korean dubbing. Korean viewers can enjoy it without a separate VPN, and subscribers can watch it for free during the 30-day free trial period. Prime Video supports 4K quality and subtitle customization features, providing an excellent viewing experience across various devices. Although it has fewer users compared to platforms like Netflix and Disney+, its strength lies in the quick accessibility and content exclusivity due to the rapid simultaneous release of global original works.

7. Conclusion: A New Proposal for Modern Action Comedy

"Heads of State" is a film that takes a direction as an entertaining action piece set against the backdrop of political issues rather than tackling them head-on. The exaggerated action and comedy, along with the strong presence of two star actors, can be seen as a modern reinterpretation of the buddy movie genre's tradition. Depending on audience expectations, this movie is bound to receive mixed reviews. However, in its commitment to providing simple enjoyment, "Heads of State" can be viewed as having achieved its own success. Amidst the trend of modern action films leaning towards overly dark narratives and complex inner portrayals, this work presents a direction of 'light yet dense entertainment,' offering both popularity and a clear focus. It serves as a reminder of the hope that directors like Ilya Naishuller continue to experiment with the genre while preserving the pure virtue of 'fun' in cinema.