Heads of State (2025) – A Fast, Funny Spy Adventure With a Message of Unity

Heads of State tracks UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke and US President Will Derringer, forced to team up after their plane, Air Force One, is shot down by terrorists led by Russian arms dealer Viktor Gradov. Stranded in Belarus, they join MI6 agent Noel Bisset to foil a global conspiracy involving the ECHELON surveillance network. Through high-stakes action and witty banter, the rival leaders forge a bond, navigating betrayals and assassins to save NATO from collapse.

Heads of State resonates with Christian values through its focus on unity and reconciliation, as Clarke and Derringer move from rivalry to brotherhood. This mirrors the biblical call to love and cooperate despite differences (John 15:12). Yet, the film’s casual take on geopolitical crises and violence may feel at odds with the stewardship of power urged in Micah 6:8. While not overtly spiritual, its themes of trust and teamwork can inspire believers to pursue peace in relationships, though the lack of deeper moral reflection limits its spiritual weight.

Ilya Naishuller crafts a slick, fast-paced action-comedy that embraces its 1990s buddy-flick roots. The script, while lean and entertaining, leans on predictable tropes—a traitor twist and a simplistic conspiracy—lacking narrative depth. Naishuller’s action pedigree shines in dynamic set pieces like the Air Force One crash and a Tomatina festival chase, but the comedic tone sometimes undercuts the stakes, making the threat feel lightweight.

Idris Elba’s gravitas as Clarke grounds the film, his steely resolve meshing well with John Cena’s charismatic, self-aware Derringer. Their chemistry fuels the story, though their arcs remain surface-level. Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivers a fierce, witty Bisset, but her limited screen time feels like a missed opportunity. Supporting roles, including Paddy Considine’s villain, are functional but lack nuance, keeping the focus on the leads’ engaging dynamic.

PG-13 suits teens and adults, with mild-to-moderate violence (shootings, explosions) and minimal language. Suggestive humor is light. Action intensity and betrayal themes may prompt discussions with younger teens about trust and leadership. A fun, low-stakes option for family movie nights with older kids.