Outcome Review: Keanu Reeves Takes a Dark, Unexpected Turn

Keanu Reeves, best known for his action roles in The Matrix and John Wick franchises, takes a more philosophical turn in the new Apple Original Films comedy Outcome -- released April 10 on the streaming platform.

A sharp and introspective satire produced, directed, and co-starring Jonah Hill, Outcome follows the angst-ridden journey of Reef Hawk, a former child star turned prestige actor during the days following a discovery that threatens to dismantle his carefully curated image. Reeves, in one of his more provocative roles, plays the fictional actor and recovering addict struggling to keep the dark side of his past at bay.

Outcome skillfully traverses the often chaotic and contradictory realities of celebrity culture, speaking to our collective obsession with public perception and the sometimes-darker undercurrents beneath the glitz and glamour. Despite being marketed as a comedy, the film delves into themes of celebrity image, victimhood, cancel culture, and even the pitfalls of child stardom, creating a multifaceted portrayal of life in the public eye.

When an obscure video from the actor’s past is threatened with being released with extortion, Reef Hawk’s team of all-star crisis management experts activate, pushing the beloved actor to make amends with all those he may have wronged to uncover who may want to release the nefarious video. In doing so, the onscreen actor must navigate the chasm between who he thinks he is, what the public demands he be, and the ugly truths his inner circle can no longer ignore.

The consequences of a single mistake become magnified, leading to an exploration of forgiveness and the possibility of growth in an age where imperfections are vilified. As Reef Hawk embarks on his journey to apologize to those he wronged, he must also confront who he truly was to the people closest to him. Through that self-discovery, the film cleverly contrasts his internal struggles with the personas crafted for him by the industry. The result is a layered narrative that serves as both subtle comedy and a critical lens into the complexities of modern fame.

In an art-imitating-life turn, fictional actor Reef appears to enjoy the same level of immense adoration from the public as real-life actor Reeves. However, where their personas diverge is when the onscreen actor quickly learns that he may not truly be the fan fav among those who know him best.

The most poignant moment of the film to speak to this revelation is a quiet conversation with a former girlfriend and her bitter reminder to him of what he did in their past relationship. Without screams or hate-filled words, the brief but powerful talk with Reef’s past shows one of the uglier sides of fame and how it destroys the most important relationships slowly, even those with oneself.

Reef’s struggle is not only with his own mistakes but also with how society views his fame through a lens of sensationalism. Obsessed with that public perception, Reeves as Reef spends a multitude of minutes throughout the film in a constant scroll on his phone to uncover potential negative information about himself online.

The interspersed scenes underscore a sad commentary on the insatiable need to seek validation from strangers, as opposed to working to strengthen relationships with the very ones closest to us. Reef receives a similar lecture from his onscreen friends.

In a daring duo I did not know I needed – Cameron Diaz, who continues her own reunion tour with acting, and Primetime Emmy nominee Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers) tag team as Reef Hawk’s emotional support friends and hype crew throughout the film.

Cameron Diaz in "Outcome," now streaming on Apple TV.

The duo serves as the onscreen actor’s long-time best friends from high school, who have stood by his side, loved him at his most unlovable, unbeknownst to the fictional actor, only to repeatedly absorb the arrows of Reef’s indifference over the years.

When Diaz’s Kyle hits her breaking point with her famous friend’s selfishness and narcissism by daring to question the strength of Reef’s sobriety and authenticity with his “performative apology tour,” the weary actor unleashes an acid-filled rant on his friend. It would be not long after his words drop from his lips that the character is made to hold a mirror to his lack of self-awareness. Beautifully backlit by the Golden State setting sun, Diaz delivers an incredible tough love monologue that highlights her own performance maturity. No doubt, it’s good to have her back on our screens.

Hill’s direction shines through in the film's dialogue and satirical tone, utilizing clever celebrity caricatures to further highlight the crazy work to maintain the perceptions and pretentiousness of fame. In addition to his directing duties, Hill appears before the camera as Reef’s eccentric, somewhat smarmy, high-profile entertainment lawyer who leads Reef’s a-list crisis team.

Through a slew of celebrity cameos, most notably Susan Lucci as Reef’s reality TV mom and the venerable Martin Scorsese, taking a rare turn in front of the camera, himself, as the fictional actor’s former manager, and other famous faces playing themselves, Outcome adds a layer of authenticity. The film cleverly intertwines moments of humor with poignant reflections, a balancing act that provides an insightful critique of celebrity culture, deftly exposing the chasm between public perception and personal reality.

Moreover, Outcome captures the essence of cancel culture and celebrity victimhood in a striking yet relatable way, as well as the absurdity of the Hollywood machine that works to craft narratives wholly contradictory to that reality.

With its sharp wit, engaging performances, and thought-provoking themes, Outcome offers an insightful critique of and social commentary on celebrity culture and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their public image. And, whether we recognize it or not, the film’s undertone invites us viewers to consider the extent to which the public contributes to perpetuating the narratives of fame and even the downfall of celebrities.

Outcome also stars Ivy Wolk, Laverne Cox, Roy Wood, Jr, and Welker White, and is streaming now on Apple.

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