Deep Cover: The Improvised Comedy That Will Leave You Laughing
In a bizarre yet ingenious concept, a group of struggling improv comedians are hired by the police for low-level sting operations, quickly finding themselves in way over their heads. This is the premise of Deep Cover, a comedy feature that has been garnering attention for its unique approach to undercover work. According to a review by Empire Online, the film’s central idea came from Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) and his writing partner Derek Connolly, who developed the concept of using improv comedians in minor sting operations.
The review states that the screenplay was retooled by British comedy duo The Pin – aka Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen – and relocated to London. The result is a film that leans into tropes and subverts them to pull off sizeable laughs. Empire Online notes that the film’s joyous absurdity is largely intact, thanks to the duo’s lockdown sketch videos. The publication praises the film’s construction, saying it "is well constructed, committing to the bit in the gag department."
The cast of Deep Cover includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed, who bring their characters to life with great performances. Howard shines as Kat, an improv comedian with sizeable skills, who sees police sting work as an easy £200. Bloom revels in playing it super-serious as Method mad Marlon, desperate to escape his advertising mascot role, ‘Pizza Knight.’ Mohammed, on the other hand, wrings the most laughs as sweet, mild-mannered Hugh, whose improv skills are non-existent.
Empire Online highlights the smart approach taken by the filmmakers, who chose to play everything around the trio largely straight. The film was shot on real London streets, with narrative rug-pulls in its crime story, sticking to Kat’s improv rules: escalate the stakes and chuck in a grenade every so often. Sean Bean channels Slow Horses‘ Jackson Lamb as the gruff Northern copper in charge of Kat and co, who dispatches the trio to buy counterfeit cigarettes and watches in awe and horror as they’re swiftly sucked into Gangs Of London territory.
While The Pin’s own appearances as police officers seeking Kat, Marlon, and Hugh threaten to unbalance the film, Empire Online notes that they can’t help going for laughs themselves. However, in all other regards, Deep Cover is a well-crafted comedy that commits to the bit in the gag department while delivering clear set-ups and pay-offs for its central characters.
In conclusion, Deep Cover is a comedy that works, delivering strong characterisation, a twisty crime story, and great performances. As Empire Online puts it, "Does Deep Cover work as an improv comedy? Yes, and it delivers strong characterisation, a twisty crime story, and great performances too. End scene." With its unique concept, talented cast, and smart approach, Deep Cover is a must-watch for fans of improv comedy.
