Stuber is a 2019 American action-comedy film directed by Michael Dowse, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista. The movie blends high-octane action with humor, offering a unique pairing of two unlikely characters—a mild-mannered Uber driver and a tough, no-nonsense cop. The film is a comedic take on the buddy cop genre, with both characters experiencing a wild and chaotic day together as they try to catch a dangerous criminal.
Plot Summary
The film follows Stu (Kumail Nanjiani), a mild-mannered, good-hearted Uber driver trying to make ends meet and start a new life. His mundane routine is completely disrupted when he picks up Detective Vic Manning (Dave Bautista), a tough and gruff cop who is recovering from eye surgery. Vic, eager to apprehend a dangerous criminal named Oka (Iko Uwais), needs to track him down quickly, and he enlists Stu as his driver, much to Stu’s reluctance.
Despite their stark differences—Vic is tough, serious, and obsessed with justice, while Stu is more laid-back and unsure of himself—the two form an unlikely partnership. As they chase down the criminal, the duo gets involved in increasingly absurd and dangerous situations, blending action-packed sequences with comedic moments as Stu tries to survive Vic’s intense methods.
What follows is a chaotic, hilarious day that forces the two men to confront their differences, learn from each other, and form an unlikely friendship.
Main Cast and Characters
- Kumail Nanjiani as Stu, the well-meaning, but often overwhelmed, Uber driver who gets pulled into a wild, action-packed adventure with Detective Vic. Nanjiani’s comedic timing and charm are key to making Stu’s character endearing and relatable.
- Dave Bautista as Detective Vic Manning, the tough, no-nonsense cop who, despite his intense demeanor, becomes an unlikely partner to Stu. Bautista delivers a performance that balances his imposing physicality with comedic vulnerability as his character deals with a variety of chaotic situations.
- Iko Uwais as Oka, the dangerous criminal that Vic and Stu are chasing. Uwais brings his martial arts expertise to the film, delivering impressive fight sequences.
- Mira Sorvino as Angie, Vic’s partner, who is caught in the middle of Vic’s pursuit of the criminal.
- Betty Gilpin as Becca, Stu’s love interest who is supportive yet skeptical of his new, dangerous adventure.
Themes and Style
Stuber blends action and comedy to create an entertaining ride full of high-energy chases, witty banter, and humorous situations. One of the key themes of the film is the unlikely friendship that forms between two very different people. As they go through a series of increasingly dangerous situations, Vic and Stu both learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and differences, ultimately growing as individuals and as a team.
The film also explores themes of personal growth, courage, and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Stu, who initially lacks confidence, is thrust into a world of danger and excitement, forcing him to overcome his fears and take charge in moments of crisis.
The dynamic between Nanjiani and Bautista drives the humor and heart of the film, as their contrasting personalities play off each other perfectly, creating moments of both tension and laughter.
Audience Reception
Stuber received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The film was generally praised for its performances, particularly the comedic chemistry between Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista. The contrast between their characters was seen as one of the film’s greatest strengths, with Nanjiani’s dry humor and Bautista’s straight-laced toughness creating a fun, engaging dynamic.
Critics were also appreciative of the film’s action scenes, with Iko Uwais’ martial arts skills adding an exciting layer to the movie’s chase and fight sequences. However, some critics felt the film’s plot was predictable and the humor sometimes relied too heavily on clichés.
Despite these critiques, Stuber was successful in entertaining audiences with its light-hearted and fast-paced blend of action and comedy, making it a fun summer film.
Conclusion
Stuber (2019) is a high-energy action-comedy that delivers laughs and thrills through the unlikely pairing of Kumail Nanjiani’s mild-mannered Uber driver and Dave Bautista’s tough detective. The film balances humorous moments with exciting action sequences, making it an enjoyable ride for fans of buddy comedies and action films. While the plot may be predictable at times, the chemistry between Nanjiani and Bautista, as well as the film’s fast-paced style, ensures it is a fun and entertaining experience from start to finish.
