Remember That Killer Rom-Com? Netflix Just Brought Back a Delightful, Deadly Gem

There's a peculiar joy, isn't there, in scrolling through Netflix – or any streaming service, really – and stumbling upon a movie you'd completely, utterly forgotten about. Not a bad film, necessarily, just one that slipped through the cracks of memory. And then, for whatever reason, you hit play. Sometimes it's a dud, a reminder of why it faded. But sometimes, just sometimes, it's a little revelation, a delightful rediscovery. This, my friends, is precisely what happened when I spotted "Mr. Right" lurking in the Netflix catalog.

You remember "Mr. Right," don't you? Or perhaps you don't. It came out in 2015, starring the ever-charming Anna Kendrick and the utterly magnetic Sam Rockwell. And, well, it's a bit of an odd duck, in the best possible way. Picture this: a romantic comedy, yes, but then smash it together with an action thriller, sprinkle in a generous dose of dark humor, and you start to get the picture. It’s a genre mash-up that, honestly, shouldn't work as seamlessly as it does.

The premise? Martha (Kendrick) is, shall we say, having a rather rough go of it after a particularly spectacular breakup. She’s impulsive, a bit of a mess, and perhaps, just perhaps, drawn to a certain kind of chaos. Then enters Francis (Rockwell), who, it turns out, is a highly skilled hitman. But here's the kicker – he's a hitman who’s decided he's done killing people for money. Instead, he now exclusively murders the very people who hire him. It's a rather noble, if still incredibly violent, moral pivot, you could say. Naturally, sparks fly between this wonderfully mismatched pair.

What makes "Mr. Right" truly sing, though, is the undeniable, almost electric chemistry between Kendrick and Rockwell. Anna Kendrick, for her part, plays Martha with that signature blend of vulnerability and sharp-witted sarcasm we’ve all come to adore. She’s believable as someone swept up in an utterly improbable romance, reacting to the increasingly bizarre circumstances with a mix of terror, fascination, and, in truth, a growing affection. And then there's Sam Rockwell. Ah, Sam Rockwell. He inhabits Francis with a quirky grace, a dance-like fluidity that makes his character both menacingly efficient and utterly endearing. His movements, his expressions – they’re a masterclass in physical comedy and controlled menace. Honestly, he just owns every scene he's in.

The film navigates its dual genres with a kind of playful abandon. One minute, you're enjoying a genuinely sweet, awkward romantic moment; the next, Francis is disarming a cadre of professional killers with a kitchen knife, all while Martha stands by, a bewildered yet strangely supportive accomplice. It never takes itself too seriously, but crucially, it doesn't completely abandon its emotional core either. This balance, for once, feels genuinely refreshing. It’s not just a spoof, nor is it a grim action flick with a token love interest. It exists somewhere beautifully in between, carving out its own niche.

I mean, how often do we get a rom-com where the leads are dodging bullets and orchestrating intricate takedowns, all while figuring out if they’re, you know, actually in love? Not often enough, I’d wager. It's a delightful palate cleanser from the usual fare, be it the overly saccharine or the relentlessly grim. And it's one of those movies that, upon rewatch, just confirms its initial charm. If anything, the quirkiness feels even more endearing seven years on.

So, if you’re scrolling aimlessly one evening, feeling that familiar sense of 'nothing to watch,' perhaps give "Mr. Right" a chance. It’s not going to change your life, no, but it will offer a good dose of unique fun, compelling performances, and a story that zigs where most others zag. A truly underrated little gem, it is. And for that, Netflix, we salute you for the re-addition.