The 2005 action comedy film Mr. and Mrs. Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie receives a 2024 reboot series makeover. Streaming exclusively on Prime Video in India and worldwide since February 2nd, 2024, the show puts a fresh spin on the original movie’s premise of an unhappily married couple who discover they are rival assassins.
![Mr. and Mrs. Smith Review on Amazon Prime](https://timelymintnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mr-and-Mrs-Smith-Review-1-1024x576.png)
Retaining Core Elements While Adding New Layers
The reboot series keeps the basic spy vs. spy and romantic dysfunction narrative of its source material. But showrunner Francesca Sloane reimagines the story to focus more intricately on the Smiths’ strained marriage and emotional character development.
While the film depicts John and Jane Smith as detached and hostile strangers who reignite their spark through violence, the show goes deeper. It explores their arranged union and desire to make the relationship real despite their career-mandated secrecy. High-risk missions and espionage still play a big role each episode, providing plenty of action between more intimate moments.
Glover and Erskine’s Chemistry Anchors the Character Drama
In the roles originated by Brangelina, Donald Glover brings his trademark wit and enigmatic presence to John Smith, while Maya Erskine infuses Jane Smith with sharp comedic timing and vulnerability. Both fully commit to the chaotic, bizarre tone Sloane establishes.
The show lives and dies through their chemistry, which crackles with electricity. Their quick-fire banter and emotional authenticity through arguments or reconciliation scenes provide strong dramatic work to balance the thriller and comedy elements.
![Cast of Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Maya Erskine and Donald Glover](https://timelymintnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cast-of-Mr.-and-Mrs.-Smith-1024x576.png)
Supporting Cast and Guest Stars Add Flavor
While the two leads carry the show, the supporting cast adds richness. Paul Dano plays the Smiths’ cheerful suburban neighbor with dark secrets of his own. John Turturro is perfectly cast as the head of their competitive spy agency.
Exciting guest stars signed on for multi-episode arcs include Michaela Coel, Alexander Skarsgard, and Sarah Paulson. Their appearances up the ante as romantic rivals or dangerous targets for the central couple.
Cinematic Style Reflects Tone
Visually, cinematographer Florian Ballhaus complements the material with an unsettling tone. The camerawork, lighting design, and locations like the Smith’s New York brownstone, heighten the paranoid, bizarre atmosphere as the story subverts expectations.
Costume designer Bina Daigeler dresses our protagonists to reflect their double lives. For Jane, bold feminine business wear for her publishing job persona contrasts tactical gear for missions. John also transforms from stiff suits to rugged military dress.
An eclectic soundtrack of classic rock, hip hop, and haunting score by Theodore Shapiro & Ludwig Goransson sets the events to music. It often ironically contrasts with the emotional drama and danger unfolding on screen. Special mention to the BGM in the last scene in the final episode which is emotional and quite haunting at the same time.
Bingeable Fresh Take On Familiar Concept
Where the original film lost steam halfway through, the serialized nature of this reimagining allows the creators to fully explore unique plot details and character across 10 episodes. Around 40 to 60 minutes each, it is paced for addictive binging.
It succeeds by not trying to rehash the exact beats of Mr. and Mrs. Smith beat-for-beat. The show carves its own identity with resonant thematic depth and superb performances while retaining the sexy, escapist appeal of spies in love. Fans of the movie, Donald Glover’s Atlanta, or dark relationship dramas like You should give this a watch.
Where to Watch in India
This Prime Video exclusive series is now available to stream in India and across 240 countries and territories. As of February 2, 2024, all 10 episodes of the first season are released to view on demand, with a potential second season likely based on reception.
Verdict: A Killer Reboot
In the end Mr. and Mrs. Smith draws you in with the allure of its beautiful leads and high-octane spycraft. But it keeps you hooked through emotional resonance, timely themes about identity and marriage, and a wicked sense of humor. Diehard fans of the film may nitpick the changes, but newcomers will enjoy this addictive update. I highly recommend viewers give this clever romantic comedy thriller a shot.