The Wasteland Reviewer

Eenie Meanie (2025) Written Review

Who doesn’t enjoy a fun heist flick? Hulu will be serving one up for all to see from 20^th Century Studios. Many of these types of films have a standard structure and plenty of familiar tropes. You hope that you can find one of these films that offers up something fresh and different to chew on. Eenie Meanie is that new film coming from writer/director Shawn Simmons which tells the tale of a former juvenile getaway driver who gets pulled back into this life for one big heist to protect the life of her baby daddy (which he doesn’t know about). Sounds like a story stuffed full of dramatic potential for Simmons and his cast to explore!

 First, does Simmons deliver behind that camera? Eenie Meanie is a film that explores a variety of tones and plenty of story threads. Simmons begins with this film on a strong footing with humor and thrills. There is a chase sequence and shoot out that is packed full of visceral energy, dynamic camera work, and plenty of dark humor sprinkled through. This sequence captures plenty of potential with its tone and staging. This might honestly be the highlight of the film (with the climactic heist capturing some of the energy as well). But the film shifts drastically into different tones and changes focus. As the film transitions into its second act, it starts focusing more on Edie’s trauma from her past as well as the unfortunate situation she currently finds herself in. There are a few key scenes that capture plenty of emotion and that elevate the film. But there are a few moments that shift so drastically in tone that it is hard to keep up with it. Eenie Meanie starts in one place and vibe and certainly ends in a completely different place. 

Does Simmons screenplay offer up enough of an anchor to ground the audience through all these shifts? The key elements of the film center around the heist. The film checks all the boxes when it comes to putting the team together, the potential wrinkles, the stuff that goes sidesways, and the getaway. That is all there. What makes Ennie Meanie different are the other elements around the story. The heist is a solution to a bigger issue for Edie. This pregnancy puts Edie in a place where she must confront her relationship with her ex (or soon not to be ex). This element of the film is the weakest link and never feels authentic. This film is hard to buy and that leaves a lot of time wasted on this. This feels more like an excuse to get Edie on the job. The personal journey that Edie goes on with confronting her trauma, the relationship with her father, and her former boss are the real elements of the film that have resonance and matter on this journey. The film struggles with some serious shifts along the way but when the film focuses on Edie, it is at its strongest. 

Does the cast deliver in bringing this heist to life? Samara Weaving is an absolute revelation in this film. Eenie Meanie would not resonate with the audience in the same way without Weaving. The big emotional moments hit so hard thanks to the performance she delivers. Her sharp and biting humor is quite impressive and she has most of the best lines in the film. Her strength is felt in every scene, and she opens with vulnerability in such a meaningful way. Karl Glusman portrays Edie’s ex, John, and this character and performance honestly fall flat emotionally (with a few fun comedic moments). Andy Garcia delivers a strong performance as Edie’s ex-boss and his dynamic with Weaving is one of the stronger elements of the film. Mike O’Malley portrays Garcia right-hand man who delivers plenty of sarcastic laughs along the way. Steve Zahn is Edie’s father who is introduced in the first scene and comes back for one pivotal, emotional scene later in the film and he really brings the depth needed for the film. There are a few other fun turns from Randall Park to Marshawn Lynch to Jermaine Fowler. 

Is Eenie Meanie a fresh new heist flick to enjoy on Hulu? Simmons’ film certainly checks the boxes you want from a heist film. The action sequences and humor are quite strong and deliver plenty of potential for the film. Weaving is the key to tying this whole film together with her electric, powerful, and engaging performance. There are too many elements of the film that don’t click well (especially the romantic elements of the film) and hold it back. The tonal shifts are hard to process but there are enough elements in Eenie Meanie to make it a good ride for sure.