In Richard Linklater’s crime-comedy Hit Man, Netflix delivers a captivating narrative that blends dark humor with an unexpected love story.
The film, inspired by the true story of Gary Johnson, follows a university professor who moonlights as an undercover agent for the Houston police.
As he adopts various identities to entrap would-be murderers, Gary (Glen Powell) finds himself falling for Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman desperate to escape her abusive relationship.
Here’s a deeper look into the film’s gripping conclusion and the fates of its characters.
Summary of the Plot
Hit Man revolves around Gary Johnson, a professor who collaborates with the Houston police by posing as a fake hitman.
Throughout the film, Gary takes on different personas to lure in individuals looking to commit murder. His life takes a surprising turn when he meets Madison, a target who is suffering under her abusive husband, Ray.
What Happens to Madison’s Ex-Husband?
The tension escalates when Madison and Gary, now romantically involved, encounter Ray during a date. Ray’s aggression prompts Gary to threaten him with a gun, although he doesn’t follow through.
Later, Ray, posing as “Mike,” attempts to hire Gary to kill his wife, unaware that Gary is the same person he confronted earlier. Realizing the danger, Gary warns Madison about Ray’s intentions.
How Do Madison and Gary Get Away with It?
Suspicion arises when Gary believes Madison might have killed Ray. Knowing her weapon and their prior conversations about the best way to execute a killing, Gary confronts her.
Madison admits to the murder, explaining she acted out of fear for her life, bolstered by Gary’s (or Ron’s) warnings. In a dramatic revelation, Gary confesses his true identity and his entanglement with the police.
What Happens to Jasper?
Jasper (Austin Amelio), an unsavory colleague of Gary’s, complicates the situation further. Previously suspended for misconduct, Jasper discovers the truth about Ray’s murder and attempts to extort Madison and Gary.
However, Madison drugs Jasper, leading to his collapse. Faced with a dire choice, Gary suffocates Jasper to prevent their secret from being exposed. In a chilling scene, Jasper dies while Gary and Madison confess their love for each other.
What Do Madison and Gary Do Afterward?
The film flashes forward to reveal Gary and Madison living an ostensibly normal life. They have a house, two kids, and two dogs, concealing their dark past. Madison engages in school activities, and Gary continues his academic career.
A voiceover from Gary reveals he has found a balance between his real self and his undercover persona. The final scene underscores their hidden history, as they vaguely recount their meeting to their child, omitting the incriminating details.
Must Read ▶ The Cast of Hit Man
Hit Man ends on a note of eerie domesticity, leaving viewers to ponder the moral complexities of Gary and Madison’s actions and the true nature of their love story.
