In the 2005 film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," espionage and marital issues intertwine as two spies discover they are assigned to eliminate each other. The story is a metaphor for upper-middle-class marriage and explores themes of emotional alienation, corporate jobs, and suburban conformity. The film's fight scenes are metaphorical expressions of intimacy.
Amazon Prime's remake series, also titled "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, takes a fresh approach to exploring modern-day marriage through the lens of espionage. Set in 2024, the series presents a different landscape for ambitious spies, where emotional connection and authenticity are not top priorities. The Smiths, played by Glover and Erskine, work for a mysterious company, communicating through casual text messages. The series unfolds episodically, with each installment featuring a new mission and framing it around relationship milestones, from the first date to couples therapy.
Unlike the film, the series does not follow the traditional action movie trajectory. Instead, it focuses on John and Jane's relationship, delving into their emotions, vulnerabilities, and the play-acting that turns into real feelings. The narrative lacks urgency, allowing each episode to explore different themes, including race, parenting, and the challenges of maintaining a high-risk, high-reward lifestyle while contemplating starting a family.
The series reflects the aspirations of millennials, emphasizing regularity, security, and comfort rather than explosive climaxes. The slower pace enables the show to delve into various themes, providing a nuanced portrayal of John and Jane's world. The aspirational lifestyle has shifted from suburban homes to extravagant urban dwellings, filled with luxurious amenities and wealth signifiers.
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" succeeds in capturing the surface elements, with Glover and Erskine embodying their roles effectively. The show's attention to detail is evident in its set designs and the use of guest stars to add humor and obstacles for the protagonists. The series, directed by Hiro Murai, balances Instagram-worthy visuals with underlying instability.
While the series may feel somewhat disjointed and less focused on its stakes, it provides a refreshing departure from the typical film-style plotting stretched over multiple episodes. The new "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" explores a broader set of concerns, incorporating wealth, race, parenting, honesty, and loyalty. It aims to capture a display of taste rather than a genuine reflection of interest, aligning with its emphasis on aesthetics and rhythm. The question remains: Is it the brownstone or the pleasure of blowing it all up that John and Jane desire the most?
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