Urgent: Watch and Download “Deep Cover” Now!

Bryce Dallas Howard shines as Kat, an improv instructor in London desperate for her big break. Her group of friends gives her those concerned looks typical of close pals worried about a member’s success in both relationships and career. In her class are two extreme representations of alpha male traits. Marlon (Orlando Bloom) is a method actor who takes everything far too seriously, despite gaining fame mainly from a series of commercials where he plays the “Pizza Knight.” On the opposite side is Hugh (Nick Mohammed from “Ted Lasso”), a shy office worker who takes the class not to become a comedy star but to learn how to engage in conversation with his colleagues.

Kat, Marlon, and Hugh stumble into an outlandish plot (which cleverly unravels itself—no spoilers here) when enlisted by a cop (Sean Bean) to spy on the London mob. Initially involved in minor transactions, they soon find themselves entangled with a significant player, Fly (Paddy Considine), who allows them into the heart of the criminal world represented by Ian McShane’s character, Metcalfe. Pairing the zany comedic core of “Deep Cover” with seasoned character actors like Bean, Considine, and McShane was a smart move, allowing the outlandish elements to rest on familiar crime genre roots.

And the absurdity definitely ramps up. Whether it’s watching Mohammed’s shy character test a drug by trying cocaine or Bloom concocting a ludicrous backstory about running away from home at five, “Deep Cover” maintains a steady flow of laughs. The narrative revolves around three characters navigating perilous situations while staying committed to their undercover roles in order to survive. Howard, Mohammed, and Bloom fully dive into their roles, ensuring that each punchline lands without any hint of detachment, showcasing a contagious sense of enjoyment throughout.

While the action in “Deep Cover,” particularly in the climax, can be a bit shaky, you will likely not mind by the end. The script may not offer deep character development, but there’s something uplifting about witnessing a comedy that aligns perfectly, with everyone engaging with one another’s quirks harmoniously. Howard, Bloom, and Mohammed, along with the more serious character actors, create dynamic interactions in unexpected ways. Ultimately, it exudes an energy often lacking in many streaming comedies, especially those seen at the festival in Austin.

Now available on Prime Video.