Heads of State

Watching Heads of State (2025), I was struck by how the film balances escapist spectacle with narrative emptiness. The premise — a U.S. President (John Cena) and a British Prime Minister (Idris Elba) thrown together after an attack on Air Force One — follows the standard buddy movie formula, but without the thematic depth that its geopolitical backdrop seems to promise.

Director Ilya Naishuller (of Nobody) brings rhythm and technical inventiveness to the action sequences, blending physical comedy with over-the-top violence. At times, though, the pace feels exhausting and adds little substance. The result is a movie that keeps moving, but not necessarily toward anything meaningful.

The chemistry between Cena and Elba is undoubtedly the film's strongest asset. Cena plays a boisterous, action-hero-style president who juggles naive charm with brute force. Elba, in contrast, delivers a world-weary, skeptical statesman whose sarcasm plays perfectly off Cena’s bombast. Their dynamic works both as comedy and emotional engine. It occasionally drifts into caricature, weakening our emotional investment, but their contrast often fuels the humor and momentum of the story. Think Lemmon & Matthau — if they had machine guns and motorcades instead of coffee and quiet grievances.

Priyanka Chopra, as an MI6 agent, radiates charisma and screen presence, even if the screenplay underuses her. One standout moment that captures her potential: a sequence set during Spain’s La Tomatina festival. Surrounded by chaos and flying tomatoes, she eludes a team of international henchmen in a playful, visually inventive chase — a moment where the film briefly flirts with brilliance. Unfortunately, this flash of creativity is never extended to her narrative arc.

Technically, Ben Davis’ cinematography leans into expansive, kinetic shots — cars flying through narrow European alleys, drones surveying smoky urban sprawls. The editing, while fast-paced, occasionally muddies timelines and sacrifices narrative buildup for immediate thrills. Steven Price’s score hits the expected bombastic beats but rarely surprises, adhering to a standard template for modern action comedies.

There are hints of political satire — the fall of NATO, shifting global alliances — but the script never dives deep. Instead of exploring these themes meaningfully, the film trades them for explosions, banter, and punchlines. It satisfies a crowd looking for fast fun, but disappoints anyone hoping for real intrigue or layered stakes.

What works? The explosive energy, the performers’ chemistry, the dumb-but-fun physical humor. What doesn’t? The feeling of missed opportunity. With such a rich premise, competent direction, and a talented cast, the film never becomes more than a disposable blockbuster. It passes quickly, loudly, and forgettably.

Still, there’s franchise potential. If Cena and Elba return with a script that lets them do more than banter and brawl, and if Chopra finally gets the screen time she deserves, the next installment might aim higher — and hit.



Heads of State (2025 / United States)
Direction: Ilya Naishuller
Screenplay: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Harrison Query
Cast: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine
Running Time: 113 min.