SXSW London 2025: Deep Cover
Following the screening of Deep Cover at the Barbican, producer Colin Trevorrow joked that one wouldn’t expect the director of Channel 4 sitcom Stath Lets Flats to be behind such a slick production. And yet, said director, Tom Kingsley, has managed to achieve that rare feat: a British comedy flick that’s neither crass nor cheesy, and most importantly, genuinely funny.
Bryce Dallas Howard stars as Kat, an American running an impov comedy class in London. One of her regulars is Marlon (Orlando Bloom), a bit-part actor passionately committed to method acting, though his greatest claim to fame is his stint in a pizza commercial. Nick Mohammed plays the timid Hugh, who decides to join Kat’s class after failing to make friends at work (despite his awkward attempts at office banter). The trio catch the eye of copper Billings (a formidable Sean Bean), who recruits them to utilise their knack for improvisation in order to infiltrate a gang headed by Paddy Considine’s shady Fry.
Deep Cover offers a novel take on the crime caper – action-packed and full of rib-tickling one-liners. The production is impressive given its relatively low budget, with quick-fire editing and no filler. While the direction may be a tad by-the-numbers, the focus is instead passed over to the cast. The film is a collaborative effort on the part of its talented ensemble, each of whom are afforded scene-stealing gags.
Bloom hasn’t been given many opportunities to showcase his comedic chops. However, fans of Extras will remember him playing a riotously insecure version of himself (his alter ego claimed that Keira Knightley lusted after him while becoming sick to her stomach at the thought of smooching Johnny Depp). That magic returns here, with Bloom shining as the delusional Marlon, who views himself as the next Brando despite his repeated thwarted attempts to hit the big time.
Mohammed, of Ted Lasso fame, is equally impressive as the clumsy but well-meaning Hugh, who ultimately just wants to be accepted. As the de facto head of the operation, Howard anchors the movie without allowing her Hollywood status to overshadow her co-stars. As always, she’s a likeable lead, and she plays off her co-stars wonderfully.
Deep Cover is a solid comedy with memorable characters, snappy dialogue and an outstanding cast. Without doubt, it has all the ingredients of a future cult favourite.
Antonia Georgiou
Deep Cover is released on Prime Video on 12th June 2025.
Watch the trailer for Deep Cover here:
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