How long has it been since Will Smith has been in a good movie? The answer: too long. But the charismatic actor we all love is coming to Netflix in a new supernatural cop film, and it looks like one hell of a ride.
Bright looks at a world in which magical creatures of all varieties live with humans – fairies, orcs, elves, you name it. Smith is partnered with an Orc, played by Joel Edgerton, who stumble upon a magic wand that can be used as a powerful weapon. As more and more groups learn about the power of the wand, it’s a race against time to keep it out of the hands of those that would misuse.
There’s definitely an interesting layer here, with there being a significant level of social commentary concerning the status of the mythical creatures. The Orc cop is referred to as a “diversity hire” and it’s clear there is a lot of animosity against the mythical creature in much the same way people of color are treated.
The film director David Ayer, who also directed Suicide Squad and End of Watch, expressed how much happier he was making a film with Netflix, which apparently is not as strict as other studios with their content.
“This ain’t no bullshit PG-13 studio movie. I was able to do my shit. I was able to do my thing,” said Ayer at the panel, “Netflix is going to pull a lot of talent because they are so supportive.”
Ayer, like Smith, is very much in his comfort zone directing a cop-team shoot-em-up action thriller, though the supernatural twist was a little unexpected. Max Landis, the film’s writer, however, doesn’t have as consistently solid a record, having penned American Ultra and Victor Frankenstein, two very notable flops and only achieved some critical praise for Chronicle.
Bright will premiere on Netflix on December 22, 2017.
