Nobody

Nobody – A Relentless, Stylish Action Thriller with a Surprising Everyman Hero

Nobody is a 2021 action thriller directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Derek Kolstad, the creator of the John Wick franchise. On the surface, it might seem like just another revenge movie — but Nobody is anything but ordinary. With a compelling lead performance from Bob Odenkirk, best known for his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, the film turns the trope of the quiet suburban dad on its head, blending brutal action, dark humor, and emotional depth.

The story centers around Hutch Mansell, a mild-mannered, seemingly dull man who lives a monotonous life with his wife and two kids in a quiet suburb. Hutch is the kind of guy people overlook — even his own family appears to have lost respect for him. But when two burglars break into his home one night and Hutch chooses not to fight back, it becomes the catalyst for a surprising transformation. What the world doesn’t know is that Hutch is far from a nobody.

As the plot unfolds, it's revealed that Hutch once worked as an "auditor" — not for taxes, but as a deadly cleaner for the U.S. government. A man sent in when everyone else failed. He had walked away from that life to start a family and live in peace, but the break-in awakens a dormant instinct. One small act of violence leads to a domino effect, eventually putting him in the crosshairs of a Russian crime syndicate led by the flamboyant and dangerous Yulian Kuznetsov.

The action in Nobody is gritty, fast-paced, and surprisingly realistic. Unlike other action heroes, Hutch takes a beating — he bleeds, he stumbles, he adapts. The fight scenes are choreographed with raw physicality and creative use of everyday items, which adds a grounded intensity. Odenkirk trained extensively for the role, and it shows in his impressive physicality and commitment to the brutal action sequences. The now-iconic bus fight scene is a masterclass in tension and choreography, setting the tone for the rest of the film.

But Nobody isn’t just about violence — it’s about identity, regret, and redemption. Hutch isn’t seeking revenge as much as he’s reclaiming a lost part of himself. The film explores what happens when a man who has buried his true nature for the sake of domestic peace is pushed too far. The character’s journey is both thrilling and emotionally satisfying, helped by Odenkirk’s nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with quiet menace.

The film also benefits from a sharp script, stylized visuals, and a killer soundtrack that juxtaposes serene oldies with chaotic combat. Supporting performances from Christopher Lloyd (as Hutch’s shotgun-wielding father) and RZA (as Hutch’s mysterious brother) add surprising depth and fun to the story.

In the end, Nobody is a tightly packed, 90-minute adrenaline rush that delivers both substance and spectacle. It’s a fresh spin on the action genre, proving that you don’t need to be a superhero or a muscle-bound vigilante to be unstoppable — sometimes, all it takes is a man who’s had enough.