Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom Star in New Crime Comedy Deep Cover

Film Feature by Chris Olson

Prepare yourselves, dear cinephiles, for a cinematic pairing so unexpectedly brilliant, it’s practically a cosmic event. Word from the hallowed halls of Hollywood (and by "hallowed halls," we mean the very dimly lit corners of the internet where film news first breaks) is that Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom are joining forces in a brand-new crime comedy titled, rather intriguingly, Deep Cover. And from what we’re hearing, it promises to be a riotous romp through the underbelly of… well, we’re not entirely sure what underbelly yet, but we’re anticipating something involving ill-advised schemes and an abundance of unfortunate hairpieces.

Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her diverse roles ranging from theme park executive in Jurassic World to a woman who really, really likes rating things in Black Mirror, is set to flex her comedic muscles once more. We last saw her delivering a nuanced performance as a surprisingly agile dinosaur-dodger, so tackling the intricacies of criminal buffoonery should be a walk in the park – albeit a park where everyone is suspiciously well-dressed and carrying large, unmarked bags. Her natural charm and ability to convey both earnestness and utter bewilderment make her the perfect foil for what we can only assume will be a series of escalatingly absurd situations. Will she be the mastermind or the hapless pawn? Our bets are on the latter, simply because it’s far funnier.

Then there’s Orlando Bloom. Ah, Orlando. From elven archer to swashbuckling pirate, Mr. Bloom has graced our screens with a certain dashing earnestness for decades. But now, it seems he’s ready to trade his bow and arrow for a wife-beater and trench coat. We’ve seen glimpses of his comedic timing in the past, often subtle and understated, so Deep Cover will be one to watch this June 2025. Picture it: the man who once sailed the high seas with Johnny Depp is now navigating the treacherous waters of London's criminal underworld, likely with an expression of intense concentration that only serves to highlight the sheer stupidity of the enterprise. The thought alone is enough to send a shiver of mirth down one’s spine.

The plot, as far as we can glean from hushed whispers and a rather cryptic press release that mostly just listed "shenanigans," revolves around three improv actors. Yes, you read that correctly. Improv actors. These masters of "yes, and…" are reportedly asked by the police to go undercover in London's criminal underworld. Think less Ocean’s Eleven and more The Pink Panther meets Fawlty Towers, with a dash of that uniquely British ability to find humour in abject failure. We’re expecting mistaken identities, improbable disguises, and a climactic chase scene that probably involves a very slow vehicle and an even slower police officer, all while our theatrical heroes attempt to "yes, and…" their way out of increasingly perilous (and hilarious) situations. One can only imagine the sheer chaos when their dramatic instincts clash with the grim reality of actual crime.

So, mark your calendars, polish your monocles, and prepare for Deep Cover. It’s a film that promises to be a refreshing antidote to gritty dramas and superhero sagas, a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to make it significantly worse, ideally while wearing a truly dreadful wig. Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom, together at last, proving that crime, sometimes, really does pay… in laughs.