Polarizing Action

Netflix’s assassin saga channels John Wick and Smokin’ Aces—yet yearns to stand on its own

It’s safe to say that John Wick has had a significant positive impact on the current state of action movies. It captures everything a moviegoer wants from an action film. Although this article isn’t about John Wick, it feels necessary to mention its influence to discuss Netflix’s film Polar. As much as I think Polar should be evaluated on its own merits, I find it difficult to completely separate the two, since Polar goes to great lengths to acknowledge John Wick’s influence.

Mads Mikkelsen plays an aging assassin named Duncan Vizla who works for a firm that requires its operatives to retire at age 50. As he nears retirement, he carefully prepares for a fresh start in a secluded Montana cabin. Blut, the boss of the firm, has other plans. According to Vizla’s contract, if he dies in an “accident,” his $8 million pension reverts to the company. Blut sends a team of young assassins to track down and kill Vizla, hoping to recoup the money to pay off his debts. What ensues is a fun, bloody massacre as Vizla fights his way through a slew of colorful characters to secure his retirement.

This movie is like John Wick meets Smokin’ Aces: every assassin has a unique personality and set of skills they use to eliminate their targets. While this approach promises fun, interesting characters, it falls short in execution. They ultimately feel familiar and shallow—and the dialogue doesn’t help. I wanted to enjoy their banter, but the film’s attempts fell flat.

Mikkelsen is the best part of the movie. His character is clever, resourceful, and always one step ahead. He’s no John Wick, but I was still curious to see where his arc would go, and I had fun watching him settle the score. I know Vizla is based on the Polar graphic novels and isn’t trying to be the next John Wick, but the film can’t help being self-aware of their similarities, leaning into them a bit too much. It tries to build a world and characters that fall short of what John Wick and Smokin’ Aces accomplished in their own ways.

Despite its echoes of other films, I mostly had fun watching Polar. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. The action scenes are smooth, well-executed violent set pieces I could enjoy. There’s also a twist that sets up a premise even more interesting and exciting than the one explored here. Vanessa Hudgens plays a character with a mysterious connection to Vizla—one I hope is fleshed out in a sequel. Duncan Vizla may not be the next John Wick, but he offers a compelling mix of cold-blooded efficiency and a personal moral code. I do hope we get a sequel down the road.