The Epic, Absurd, and Hilariously Human Nobody (2021)
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your coffee mugs, your kitty-shaped Post-it notes, and maybe a fire extinguisher, because we’re diving headfirst into the gloriously unpretentious, fist-flying, bus-exploding world of Nobody (2021). Directed by Ilya Naishuller and starring the man, the myth, the suburban legend Bob Odenkirk, this movie is what happens when you give a sitcom dad a machine gun, a dark past, and a playlist of classic rock bangers.
Over the next 5000 words (yes, we’re going all in), I’ll unpack why Nobody is the cinematic equivalent of finding an extra chicken nugget in your fast-food order: unexpected, delightful, and leaving you grinning like a kid who just got away with sneaking cookies. Buckle up, because this review is going to be as chaotic, joyful, and human as Hutch Mansell himself when he finally snaps.
The Premise: Everyman Meets “Oh, He’s That Guy”
Picture this: Hutch Mansell (Odenkirk), a guy so ordinary he makes plain oatmeal look like a Vegas buffet. He’s got the suburban house, the minivan, the 9-to-5 grind at his father-in-law’s manufacturing firm, and a routine so predictable you could set your watch to it. Monday? Garbage day.
Tuesday? More garbage day. Wednesday? You guessed it—garbage day, with a side of forgetting to put the lid on tight, so the raccoons throw a rave. His wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen), seems to tolerate him, his kids barely notice him, and his life is a beige parade of spreadsheets and lukewarm coffee. But then, in a moment that feels like the universe poking him with a stick, two amateur burglars break into his house, and Hutch… doesn’t do much. He lets them go, golf club in hand, because he’s trying to be the “good dad.” Big mistake.
This home invasion is the spark that lights the fuse on Hutch’s dormant, very non-suburban past. Turns out, our boy was once an “auditor”—a euphemism for a government-sanctioned cleaner who made problems (and people) disappear. When a chance encounter on a bus with some drunk thugs reawakens his inner action hero, Hutch goes full John Wick (no surprise, since Nobody shares a writer, Derek Kolstad, with the Wick-verse).
What follows is a 92-minute rollercoaster of bone-crunching fights, explosions, and one-liners, all set to a soundtrack that slaps harder than Hutch’s right hook. Oh, and there’s a Russian mobster named Yulian (Aleksey Serebryakov) who’s so cartoonishly evil he probably twirls his mustache in his sleep. Nobody isn’t here to win Oscars for nuance—it’s here to make you cheer, laugh, and maybe check if your accountant has a secret tattoo.
Bob Odenkirk: The Unlikely Action Star We Didn’t Know We Needed
Let’s talk about Bob Odenkirk, because this man is the heart, soul, and flying roundhouse kick of Nobody. You know him as Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul—the fast-talking, sleazy lawyer with a comb-over and a wardrobe that screams “used car salesman.” But in Nobody, Odenkirk transforms into a guy who can mow down a dozen henchmen while still looking like he could help you file your taxes.
At 58 during filming, he’s not your typical action star, and that’s the point. He’s got the dad bod, the receding hairline, and the slightly hunched posture of a guy who’s spent too long at a desk. Yet, when he snaps, you believe he’s a killing machine. It’s like watching your high school math teacher suddenly bench press a Buick.
Odenkirk’s performance is a masterclass in balancing humor, heart, and holy-crap-he-just-did-that energy. He trained for two years to pull off the fight scenes, and it shows—every punch, kick, and improvised weapon (a fire poker? Really?) feels earned. But what makes him shine is his humanity.
Hutch isn’t a stoic Jason Bourne or a brooding John Wick. He’s a guy who’s tired—tired of his boring life, tired of being underestimated, tired of raccoons outsmarting him. When he finally lets loose, you’re not just rooting for him; you’re living vicariously through him. Every time he smirks before a fight or mutters a sarcastic quip (“I hope these guys have insurance”), it’s like he’s winking at the audience, saying, “Yeah, I can’t believe I’m doing this either.”
The Supporting Cast: A Parade of Quirky Badasses
While Odenkirk steals the show, the supporting cast adds layers of charm and chaos. Connie Nielsen as Becca is criminally underused but brings a quiet strength as the wife who knows more about Hutch’s past than she lets on. Their marriage feels real—there’s a scene where they lie in bed with a pillow barrier between them, and it’s such a perfect, heartbreaking detail of a couple drifting apart.
Then there’s Christopher Lloyd as Hutch’s dad, David, a retired FBI agent who’s living out his golden years in a nursing home… until he gets to wield a shotgun and steal every scene he’s in. Lloyd, at 82, is having the time of his life, and his gleeful “I’m gonna mess you up” energy is pure gold.
RZA pops up as Harry, Hutch’s half-brother and fellow ex-auditor, who’s hiding out in a pawn shop and dispensing wisdom like a Zen master with a grenade launcher. Aleksey Serebryakov’s Yulian is the kind of villain who’d eat a steak raw just to intimidate the cow. He’s over-the-top, but it works—his nightclub scenes, complete with Russian karaoke and vodka-fueled tantrums, are absurdly entertaining. The rest of the cast—thugs, cops, and random neighbors—fill out the world without overstaying their welcome. Everyone knows this is Odenkirk’s party, and they’re just here to pass him the ammo.
Action That Hits Like a Sledgehammer (Or a Bus)
If you’re here for the action, Nobody delivers in spades. Naishuller, who directed Hardcore Henry, knows how to stage a fight that’s equal parts brutal and balletic. The standout is the bus sequence, where Hutch takes on a gang of drunk bros harassing a woman. It’s a masterclass in escalation: it starts with a tense standoff, builds to a single punch, and then explodes into a symphony of broken bones and shattered glass. Odenkirk uses everything—fists, a knife, a bus pole, even a goddamn seatbelt—to dispatch his foes, all while Lou Reed’s “Heartbreak Hotel” plays in the background. It’s the kind of scene that makes you want to high-five the screen.
The action only gets crazier from there. A car chase through neon-lit streets? Check. A Home Depot-turned-death trap with claymores and tripwires? Double check. The final showdown in a factory is like if Home Alone’s Kevin grew up, got a PhD in mayhem, and decided to take on the Russian mob. The choreography is tight, the body count is high, and the creativity is off the charts—there’s a moment involving a teacup that had me cackling. Sure, it’s not realistic (Hutch takes more hits than a piñata at a birthday party), but realism isn’t the point. This is action as catharsis, a middle finger to every bad day you’ve ever had.
The Soundtrack: A Mixtape for Mayhem
Let’s talk about the soundtrack, because Nobody doesn’t just have music—it has vibes. From Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” to Steely Dan’s “Do It Again,” every song feels like it was handpicked by Hutch himself during a late-night vinyl binge.
The music doesn’t just underscore the action; it amplifies it. When Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker” kicks in during a montage of Hutch burning down the mob’s cash, you can’t help but bob your head. And don’t get me started on the use of “I’ve Gotta Be Me” during a particularly unhinged sequence—it’s like the movie is daring you not to sing along while Hutch blows up half a city block. The soundtrack is a character in itself, turning every fight into a rock ‘n’ roll fever dream.
Humor: Dry, Dark, and Dad-Like
Nobody’s humor is what sets it apart from its action peers. It’s not slapstick or overly quippy—it’s the kind of dry, deadpan wit you’d expect from a guy who’s seen it all and is mildly annoyed he has to deal with it again. When Hutch traps a thug’s hand in a car door and calmly says, “That’s gonna hurt in the morning,” it’s peak dad energy.
Or when he’s setting up an elaborate trap and mutters about his “retirement plan,” you can’t help but laugh. The movie knows it’s ridiculous—nobody actually fights like this—but it leans into the absurdity with a wink and a smirk. Even the villains get in on the fun, with Yulian’s henchmen trading baffled looks as their boss goes full karaoke supervillain.
The humor also comes from the contrast between Hutch’s mundane life and his secret skills. There’s a scene where he’s fixing a shelf while casually interrogating a thug, and it’s comedy gold. It’s like watching your uncle fix a leaky faucet while reciting Sun Tzu. The movie never takes itself too seriously, which is why it’s so easy to love. It’s not trying to be The Godfather; it’s trying to be the most fun you’ve had in a theater since you snuck in that extra-large popcorn.
Themes: Rage, Redemption, and Raccoons
Beneath the explosions and one-liners, Nobody has a surprising amount of heart. It’s a movie about rage—specifically, the kind of bottled-up, suburban rage that comes from feeling invisible. Hutch isn’t just fighting bad guys; he’s fighting the monotony of a life that’s ground him down. When he snaps, it’s not just about the home invasion—it’s about every missed promotion, every dirty dish, every time he’s been overlooked. It’s a fantasy for anyone who’s ever wanted to scream, “I’m more than this!” and then, you know, blow up a warehouse.
There’s also a thread of redemption running through the film. Hutch’s journey is about reconnecting with his family, particularly his son, Blake (Gage Munroe), who thinks his dad’s a loser. The movie doesn’t dwell on this too much—thankfully, it’s not a sappy drama—but the quiet moments, like Hutch teaching Blake how to throw a punch, hit harder than any fistfight. And let’s not forget the raccoons. Early on, Hutch’s failure to outsmart a raccoon stealing his trash is a running gag, but by the end, when he’s taking down mobsters with military precision, it’s clear he’s conquered more than just the bad guys. Sorry, raccoons—you lost this round.
Why It Works: The Joy of Unapologetic Chaos
Nobody works because it knows exactly what it is: a lean, mean, popcorn-chomping action flick that doesn’t pretend to be anything else. At 92 minutes, it’s the perfect length—long enough to deliver the goods, short enough to leave you wanting more. The pacing is relentless, the stakes feel personal, and the world-building is just detailed enough to keep you hooked without bogging down in lore. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a perfectly cooked burger: simple, satisfying, and leaving you with a big, goofy grin.
The movie also taps into a universal fantasy: what if you could just snap and let loose? Hutch’s transformation from doormat to destroyer is cathartic because we’ve all been there—stuck in traffic, ignored at work, or just fed up with life’s little indignities. Nobody says, “Go ahead, break something. You’ve earned it.” And yet, it’s not all mindless violence. The film’s heart lies in Hutch’s desire to protect his family and reclaim his sense of self, making it more than just a body-count extravaganza.
Flaws? Sure, But Who Cares?
Is Nobody perfect? Nah. The plot is thin as a paper towel—bad guys do bad things, Hutch does worse things, roll credits. Some characters, like Becca and Blake, could use more screen time to flesh out their relationships with Hutch. The villains, while fun, are straight out of Central Casting’s “Evil Russian Mobster” playbook. And yeah, you’ve got to suspend disbelief harder than a Cirque du Soleil acrobat to buy that Hutch can take this much punishment and still walk upright. But these are nitpicks in a movie that’s so unapologetically fun you barely notice. It’s like pointing out that your rollercoaster doesn’t have Wi-Fi—sure, but you’re too busy screaming to care.
The Verdict: A Joyful, Bloody Good Time
Nobody is the kind of movie you watch with a bucket of popcorn, a rowdy group of friends, and zero expectations of high art. It’s a love letter to action fans, underdogs, and anyone who’s ever wanted to tell the world, “I’m not just a nobody.” Bob Odenkirk is a revelation, the action is top-tier, and the humor is sharp enough to cut through the blood and gunpowder. It’s not going to change cinema, but it’ll change your night, leaving you pumped, entertained, and maybe a little inspired to check if your neighbor’s secretly a hitman.
So, go watch Nobody. Crank up the volume, cheer for Hutch, and maybe double-check your trash cans for raccoons. This is one audit you don’t want to miss.
Cast
Credit – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobody_(2021_film)#Cast
- Bob Odenkirk, as Hutch Mansell, is a former government assassin also known as “Nobody”.
Bob Odenkirk - Aleksei Serebryakov, as Yulian Kuznetsov, is a Russian mafia boss guarding obshchak, who is targeting Hutch and his family.
- Connie Nielsen, as Becca Mansell, is Hutch’s successful wife.
- Christopher Lloyd, as David Mansell, is Hutch’s father and a retired FBI agent.
- Michael Ironside, as Eddie Williams, is Hutch’s father-in-law and boss.
- Colin Salmon, as the Barber, is Hutch’s former government handler.
- RZA, as Harry Mansell, is Hutch’s brother.[4][5]
- Billy MacLellan, as Charlie Williams, is Eddie’s son and Hutch’s brother-in-law.
- Araya Mengesha, as Pavel, is Yulian’s half-Russian half-Ethiopian bodyguard.
- Gage Munroe, as Brady Mansell, is Hutch’s teenaged son.
- Paisley Cadorath, as Sammy Mansell, is Hutch’s daughter.
- Aleksandr Pal, as Teddy Kuznetsov, is Yulian’s younger brother.
Additionally, Humberly González and Edsson Morales portray Lupita and Luis Martin, the thieves who break into Hutch’s home. The thugs on the bus are played by Daniel Bernhardt, Alain Moussi, and Stéphane Julien, while the young woman is played by Megan Best. J. P. Manoux plays a Pentagon employee who is blackmailed by the Russian mafia. The FBI agents in Hutch’s interrogation are portrayed by Kristen Harris and Erik Athavale. Director Ilya Naishuller and musician Sergey Shnurov appear as Anatoly and Valentin, respectively, the hitmen killed by David.
Sequel
Connie Nielsen expressed interest in reprising her role in a sequel in March 2021. The actress stated that discussions about how Hutch and Becca met took place on the set of the first movie and that she would like to learn more about their history. In June of the same year, it was made public that Kolstad was writing a sequel, but the studio had not yet approved it. On social media in March 2022, 87North Productions said that the studio was excited to work on Nobody 2, but no official production date was given at that time.
Leitch stated that the studio had committed to releasing a sequel and that work on the script was ongoing by August of the same year. McCormick made the official announcement in December 2022 that a sequel was in the works, with filming beginning in 2023.
Nielsen confirmed in January 2024 that the sequel was still in the works and that she would reprise her role from the first film. Producer David Leitch confirmed that production would begin by the end of 2024 in March 2024. From a script by Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin, and Umair Aleem, the sequel was confirmed to be directed by Timo Tjahjanto in June 2024, with Odenkirk reprising his role. In July 2024, Sharon Stone was confirmed to be cast in the sequel, with a release date of August 15, 2025.