Idiots (2026) Written Review

How does Blair bring this film (and trainwreck) to life on the big screen? Blair has plenty of experience in front of the camera in some truly compelling films and has shown some promise with his own directorial efforts like the recent remake of The Toxic Avenger. You certainly see that cinematic voices come to life on screen with Idiots. There is some inspired filmmaking sprinkled throughout with plenty of unleashed energy that makes this such a compelling and engrossing experience. Messy in its structure but there is always propulsive energy pushing the film forward (thanks to the vision that Blair has and the sharp editing by Dan McMaster). Blair and cinematographer Guillermo Garza craft a gritty and dirty feel and vibe for the film. There are some sharp framing and inspired visuals that they play around with which deliver a film that has texture. Brooke and Will Blair deliver a score that has plenty of personality as well that adds layers and personality to the film. Idiots, if nothing else, has plenty of personality and atmosphere that makes the film feel fresh and worthwhile.

Does the screenplay by Blair make the most of Alex Orr’s story? There is certainly an interesting and compelling concept behind Idiots. The idea of putting a full-blown agent of chaos like Mason Thames character in the hands of a couple of losers like O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Dave Franco and giving them the responsibility of this makes for plenty of shenanigans. Blair certainly delivers on all types of strange shenanigans involving sex workers, strange rappers, and gangs of violence folks looking to bring some destruction. Idiots is not blessed with a hard structure or a standard path of narrative beats but Blair is able to inject plenty of flair and personality that you can get past that shortcoming. The rich batch of complex and flawed characters is what makes this film so entertaining and impactful. Blair explores themes of privilege throughout the film (especially centered around economic divides). Idiots might not have the freshest take on these themes but there is something compelling in the characters that explore them and the darker, edgier dialogue that fills this journey. Plenty of memorable and dynamic characters can go a long way in deepening a cinematic experience like Idiots.

Does this talented cast make the most of these rich characters? Probably the weakest link in the chain is Jackson who lacks the depth and dynamic nature of some of his costars. Don’t sell Jackson’s performance as Davis short (as it is full of empathy), but it is still less dynamic than most of the others. Franco delivers a layered, complex, and surprising turn. His raw energy and commitment to the bit gives the character of Mark plenty of dimensions to explore and Franco does so with plenty of vigor. Thames feels like a lightning rod of energy and magnetism as his performance is quite unnerving and twisted to say the least (a gear that he has not quite reached leading into this film). One of the most fun additions to the film is Kiernan Shipka who portrays the ever compelling and alluring sex worker named Irina. Shipka injects a world-weariness that is so surprising and impressive for such a young performer (but she certainly has the acting chops to reach those heights). Succession alumnus Nicholas Braun delivers the most unhinged performance of his career to date with Pricka Bush da Werewolf (a rapper who steals the limited screen time that he inhabits). Throw in a veteran presence like Peter Dinklage as the nefarious leader of a gang and you have yourself quite the wild and entertaining ensemble.

Does Idiots deliver on its promise of wild shenanigans and a worthwhile cinematic experience? In Blair we trust that this creative filmmaker brings his vision to life so singularly that it is hard to argue with this unhinged experience. There is plenty of energy and personality that propels the film forward even if the narrative is quite loose at that. The themes could have been deeper and further explored but this blunt force trauma of storytelling delivers something quite special for Blair, and everyone involved. Delightfully twisted and unhinged, Idiots (formally The Shitheads) lives up to its premise and delivers in a way only a talented filmmaker could.