Why “The Outlaws” is a must see on Netflix

Released on the 30^th of June, 2023, the Netflix film, “The Outlaws,” has left viewers cackling in the comfort of their homes after watching a suspenseful yet humorous film, starring a number of highly-acclaimed actors. With the American actor Adam DeVine, actress Ellen Barkin, and Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, Netflix has produced a comedy that has received rave reviews. The question is why? Regardless of the cast, what makes the film a success is its absurd plot, which DeVine plays into rather well, considering his past movies, such as Game Over Man, where he plays the role of a naïve, goofy character whose maturity gradually develops.

The plot begins with Owen Browning (Adam DeVine), intending to wed Parker McDermott (Nina Dobrev). The audience perceives the two as a perfect loving couple, until their parents are brought into the picture, causing a major twist in the fate of the couple. Owens mother for one appears highly strung and conservative, which no doubt many viewers could relate to, with the father clueless and submissive to his wife’s values and wishes. Owen’s parents are a clear indicator as to why Owen is portrayed as innocent and vulnerable, which is further expanded later. It is not until Parker’s parents make an abrupt arrival that the main plot unfolds. Introduced as open, outgoing, and impulsive, without a doubt Parker’s parents, Lilly and Billy, contrast with Owen’s. The clear comparison alludes to the difficulties that may present themselves between the young couple’s relationship later in the movie. Nevertheless, Owen bows to Parker’s parents in hopes to gain their blessing, but in doing so he finds himself in more strife.

Owen’s parents demonstrate their apprehension towards Owen’s partner early in the film, where their ignorance leads them to believe that Parker is a stripper, despite being a yoga instructor. Owen, a young bank manager, with some quirks, such as is naivety, becomes victim of a bank robbery, which follows the day after spending the day with Parkers parents, ending in him being rather hungover on the day of the robbery. In the state that he is in, Owen surprisingly has flashbacks of the night before with the in-laws, alerting his suspicion that they are in fact the ones who robbed his bank, placing him in a difficult situation as he had been the catalyst for the failure of their security system. If the robbery of the bank was not enough, Owen had alerted a crime boss, Rehan, that Parker’s parents were in town, by accident, resulting in them demanding five million dollars or Parker may not make it to the wedding, but instead her own funeral. Due to Owen’s vulnerable state, he finds the urge to do anything to ensure Parkers safety. He finds himself working with the police after being framed by Parker’s parents and fails to get their confession when wearing a wire. However, as innocent as he may appear, he makes the effort to join the in-laws in their quest to save Parker from Rehan.

At this point, Owen has made quite a fool of himself, in failing to uphold the security of his own bank, failing to work with the police effectively, and failing to maintain his dignity by sucking up to the in-laws. Dressed as Shrek, Owen assists Parker’s parents in a highly complex bank robbery, at one point providing CPR to a bystander in the midst of stealing the money, which is of course profound and unexpected to say the least. With all the flaws in the robbery itself, the drop is eventually made, ending in a gun fight, where Owen somehow manages to kill Rehan and her gang. The film concludes with Lilly and Billy turning themselves in, not wishing to continue life on the run, and the wedding finally goes ahead. While Owen’s parents remain deluded, the family come to terms with one another, which could be considered a happy ending.

All in all, “The Outlaws” is a film full of action, humour and suspense, leaving viewers on edge with laughter. DeVine has perfected his role as the innocent, naïve bank manager, who again falls victim to a ludicrous plot which eventually ends in a success. This provides viewers with a sense of closure, which is rare in many movies released today. Despite the film’s corny moments, Netflix has produced a film which can be enjoyed by a number of viewers who share different interests, whether it be action, romance, or comedy.