How many times have you watched a film and scoffed at the screen, calling whoever it is ‘idiots’? There are countless comedies where the idiots in question are actual idiots and make idiotic choices, but that idiotic behaviour is for our entertainment. It isn’t just comedies that can take home this idiot trophy—there are plenty of idiots in other genres. But Idiots prides itself from the get-go on just how stupid the characters we’re about to meet are.
Idiots‘ opening scene features Davis being scolded by a priest for taking a church group of kids to see an R-rated movie after mistaking it for an educational religious film: Antichrist. This sets the scene but far from gives us the tone and vibe to follow, which are all over the place throughout, particularly when the film goes darker and the humour is harder to find.
Recently fired lowlife Mark is sent on a job with well-meaning Davis to transport an obscenely wealthy teenager, Sheridan, to rehab. But along the way, the trio find themselves in various terrible situations, mostly caused by Sheridan, who believes himself invincible due to his high status online. But when he finds he’s taken things too far, Davis and Mark will do anything they can to deliver this kid to rehab.
Taking place on the road, there is temptation to call this ‘a road movie’ but thankfully the focus is pulled away and becomes more about wealth buying you notoriety. Sheridan is the epitome of a bored, spoiled rich kid who is getting off lightly for a major crime, but as we come to find out, he is being sent to rehab not for addiction but to keep him out of jail. Along the way, he commits further heinous crimes: drugging the hapless Mark and Davis, stealing a stripper’s money, biting someone so he draws blood. All the while, he sees no wrong in anything he does. The comedic nature of the film does shine through at times, but it’s when we encounter desperate characters who ‘rescue’ Sheridan, only to hold him hostage to extract money from his distant parents. Nicholas Braun in particular exudes more than a point-and-laugh stereotype as the wannabe rapper, Pricka Bush Da Werewoof. His actions in particular put a bad taste in your mouth.
This is one comedy-coaster that doesn’t quite know where to go. Characters that appear for a scene or two feel undercooked and leave the wrong kind of impression. Despite some misgivings about story structure and the dark humour, O’Shea Jackson Jr and Dave Franco make a great odd-couple pairing. Their screaming matches are the most entertaining part of the entire film, matched only by Mason Thames’ ability to be a true villain. Sheridan is a nasty piece of work, and Thames plays it like this is an origin story for an absolute psycho. If the film had leaned further into its darker elements, this would have felt one step away from a horror film.
There is something wholly unsatisfying about the end scenario to this entire disastrous journey. Throughout the entire film, you’re waiting for justice to be served, but instead we get a dose of reality and sombre reflection from Davis. Though the absolute last few words and final reaction feel apt and are very amusing. There are those who watch this and have no issue with the end, but some will feel an empty pit in their stomach, wishing for a better outcome.
Idiots is on UK and Ireland digital platforms on 2 October 2026 from Vertigo Releasing
