Deep Cover Film Review: Criminally Funny

Deep Cover is a fast-paced action comedy about a group of actors who infiltrate London’s criminal underworld.

Set in London, Deep Cover follows three stand-up comedians who haven’t quite made it in the acting world yet. Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard, of Argylle) is an improv comedy teacher who is starting to lose hope in her career, Marlon (Orlando Bloom, of Red Right Hand) is a struggling actor whose auditions are not getting booked, and Hugh (Nick Mohammed, of Maggie Moore(s)) is trying out stand-up comedy to gain people skills. At a low moment in each of their careers, the three actors get recruited by the police for a sting operation to infiltrate a dangerous criminal gang and eventually take them down.

The chemistry between the main characters is the glue that holds Deep Cover together. What would otherwise have been a series of unlikely events and unlikely plot twists becomes a believable tale that is both heartwarming and funny. On the one hand, the story reminds us of the power of friendship and of finding your people even later in life, but on the other, this sweet and powerful message is paired with fast-action comedy and jokes that land very well. Each of the three main actors is excellent on their own, but when they are together, their comedic timing and humour shine even brighter, making the audience laugh out loud multiple times throughout the movie. 

The actors are also all really good at portraying the different versions of their characters, as we can see the moment they step into the improvisation moments and out of the regular character they play in this film. Orlando Bloom is especially good in Deep Cover, showcasing an excellent comedic side that we don’t often get to see in his previous work. Many of the jokes will resonate even more with anyone who has ever taken an acting class in their life, as they often reference improv exercises and the harsh realities of life as a non-established actor that some people in the audience may relate to. 

From its setting to its humour, Deep Cover is a quintessentially British film. Those in the audience who are familiar with London will be able to immediately understand where certain scenes are set and filmed as this adventure takes the protagonist across various areas of the British capital. Quickwitted and sarcastic, the humour is very British and also speaks to the geographical setting  of the movie.

The action parts are also very well made and help the overall pacing of the film. This is especially impressive considering that this is an independent film and, therefore, could only rely on a relatively limited budget to create the impressive stunts and chase scenes that we see in Deep Cover. Director Tom Kingsley creates the perfect balance between the two genres of this film, allowing it to never feel like it is leaning too much into one or the other. 

Ultimately, Deep Cover is a lot of fun, probably the most I have had at the cinema in a while. Like most comedies, it is definitely worth seeing this film with as many people as possible to enjoy the communal experience of humour that it offers. However, it is a shame that most audiences will only get to see it on Prime, as the experience of everyone laughing and reacting to the jokes in a different way is part of what made the premiere at SXSW so special.

Deep Cover was screened at SXSW London on June 4, 2025 and is now available to stream globally on Prime Video.