Mr. & Mrs. Smithis the newest Prime Video series based on the 2005 movie of the same name starring Brad Pitt and Angelia Jolie. The series stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as John and Jane Smith, spies for a secretive and mysterious organization who’ve been paired as a married couple, similar to how Philip and Elizabeth Jennings were in FX’sThe Americans. Created by Glover and Francesca Sloane, the show has alreadyreceived higher critical acclaimthan its predecessor, which suggests the show’s approach to the concept strikes a better chord overall. Since the entire season dropped on the platform at the beginning of the month, audiences have also responded well to the series.
Although considered a reboot, the series is by no means a standard retelling of the film’s original premise. Instead, it makes a concerted effort to be something entirely different. Born out of the same idea, the execution of each project ultimately creates completely different narratives. Despite its name and similar concept, the series sets itself apart and is arguablybetter than the original filmin a myriad of ways. From the onset, the show’s premise and plot make a significant shift compared to the movie. Furthermore, the series uses those changes to convey a drastically different tone as well as much more serious themes overall when compared to the film.
A Shift in Premise and Plot
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
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In the movie version, John and Janeare a married couplewho don’t realize they each work for rival contract-killing firms. They initially meet, fall in love, and marry on their own accord. Only after they’re hired to kill each other do they discover the truth about one another. However, in the series, John and Jane meet because of their career choice as a spy. They know about one another from the beginning and work on their missions together as a unit. The show’s premise is born from their pairing as a married couple who use their developing espionage skills to complete their assignments. The series begins with the couple’s pairing, and the plot develops around the personal issues that arise as a result.
Unlike the film, John and Jane in the series fall in love with one another despite the assumption their marriage would remain the facade it was initially created to be. Given the secrecy surrounding their lives, it makes sense such a unique closeness would inevitably lead to a romantic relationship. The plot of the show then unfolds out of such a premise. The series' narrative ismore character-driven, whereas the film’s narrative relies on its highly convoluted yet entertaining plot.
The Tones and Themes Are More Serious in Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Realistically, the series displays the struggles that surface when two people want to love one another despite themselves. The show makes it clear John and Jane’s pairing wouldn’t necessarily have happened in real life had its characters met outside the parameters of their job. However, that also doesn’t mean they aren’t compatible; it simply meanstheir unique relationshipdoesn’t come easy. As a result, the show exudes a much more serious tone as it explores heavier themes than the film ever did.
While the original movie is much more goofy with its humor, the series strikes a very different tone. Although humorous at times, it by no means inhabits the same type of physical comedy the film is remembered for. Instead, its tone is more realistic and serious. As in life, the series has comedic moments, but more often than not, those moments are subtle and aren’t necessarily comical for everyone involved. While the film is meant to be an action comedy above all else, no matter how silly and unrealistic the situations might be, the show bases everything it does in reality.
Because of its tone, the show feels relatable in many ways. Much of the series takes place during the moments between the action when John and Jane are working through the dynamics of their relationship. While there are still sequences of action, it’s not at the center of the show. Instead, the core of the series explores the interworkingof a marriagebetween two lonely people who desperately want to feel a connection with their partner. The John and Jane of the show are more nuanced characters with a depth of emotions the series seeks to fully explore.
In many ways, the series flips the original concept of glamour and style on its head and explores what it would look like if John and Jane were regular, although highly skilled, flawed people ultimately seeking genuine human connection. At the end of the day, the series is a more sophisticated retelling of the idea presented in the original film, which ultimately makes it better in comparison. That isn’t to say the movie isn’t entertaining. Its execution simply relies more on style than nuanced characters.
All episodes ofMr. & Mrs. Smithare currently streaming on Prime Video.
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