A reformed teenage getaway driver is dragged back into her unsavory past when a former employer offers her a chance to save the life of her chronically unreliable ex-boyfriend.
Samara Weaving’s career has been on a steady upward trajectory, with her early performances in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and the clever horror-comedy “Ready or Not” standing out. From there, she branched into significant supporting parts in movies such as “Bill & Ted Face the Music,” “Babylon,” and “Scream VII.” Her latest project, “Eenie Meanie,” finally places Weaving at the forefront, casting her as the film’s central star. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t quite match her capabilities.
In “Eenie Meanie,” Weaving takes on the role of Edie, known as Eenie Meanie, a former teen getaway driver trying to put her criminal life behind her and focus on college and a brighter future. After finding out she’s pregnant by her ex, John (Karl Glusman), who’s still involved in illegal dealings, Edie goes to see him and quickly finds herself in peril yet again. Barely escaping a dangerous encounter, she discovers that John owes $3 million to their old mafia boss, Nico (Andy Garcia). Pressured by the situation, Edie reluctantly agrees to help John with one last heist—a plan to rob a casino that promises enough cash for her to break free finally.
Their scheme centers on stealing a money-filled car from the casino, with the help of several corrupt security guards. Trouble brews when Edie notices Perm (Marshawn Lynch), a rival with whom she shares a violent past, lurking at the casino. Nico refuses to clarify Perm’s involvement and warns Edie to be wary. As the day of the heist nears, Edie and John become convinced that something’s off and decide to hatch their own escape plan, hoping to make off with both the car and the cash. This is where the story spirals into chaos.
The movie wears its influences on its sleeve, drawing heavily from films like “Baby Driver,” with Weaving embodying the cool-headed getaway driver and delivering some thrilling action scenes. For much of its runtime, the film maintains a breezy vibe, mixing humor with a dash of romance. But as it enters its final stretch, the tone takes a sudden, grim turn, discarding the earlier playfulness for something much harsher. Whether writer-director Shawn Simmons meant for this tonal whiplash is hard to say, but the effect is disorienting and unsatisfying. Instead of deepening the narrative, the abrupt change disrupts the film’s sense of unity and leaves viewers feeling let down.
Despite these shortcomings, the actors turn in solid work—Weaving and Glusman have genuine chemistry, and Andy Garcia lends gravitas as the mob boss. It’s a shame that the film ends so suddenly and conveniently, missing out on what could have been a more fulfilling conclusion. The premise had real potential—enough, perhaps, to kick off a film series—but “Eenie Meanie” opts for an overly tidy resolution, ultimately failing to make the most of Weaving’s impressive abilities.
Available to stream exclusively on Hulu, Friday, August 22nd
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