Nobody (2021)

Last updated:
May 23, 2025

Nobody is a 2021 action thriller directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Derek Kolstad (best known as the creator of John Wick). Starring Bob Odenkirk, the film dives into the quiet chaos of suburban life turned explosive, gritty, and unexpectedly cathartic. Beneath its simple premise lies a surprisingly stylish, darkly funny, and brutal ride.

Detailed Summary

Introduction: The Mundane Life of Hutch Mansell

Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is a seemingly ordinary man living a life of routine and quiet frustration. He works a dull job at a manufacturing company owned by his in-laws, has a distant relationship with his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen), and struggles to connect with his teenage son.

After a home invasion by two desperate burglars, Hutch refrains from fighting back, much to the disappointment of his son and the judgment of his neighbors. But it quickly becomes clear: Hutch is not who he seems.

Awakening the Beast

The break-in stirs something long dormant within Hutch. When he realizes his daughter’s beloved kitty bracelet might have been stolen, it pushes him over the edge. Tracking the burglars down, he discovers they are harmless and destitute—but the thirst for violence is reignited.

Seeking an outlet, Hutch boards a bus and brutally beats up a group of Russian gangsters harassing a woman. The scene is raw, messy, and unglamorous, showing that Hutch’s skills are lethal, even if a bit rusty.

The Russian Mob Takes Notice

Among Hutch’s victims is the younger brother of Yulian Kuznetsov (Aleksei Serebryakov), a volatile Russian mobster. Furious, Yulian unleashes the full force of the mob to hunt Hutch down, unaware of the storm he’s provoking.

Through a series of flashbacks and phone calls to a mysterious radio voice (later revealed to be Hutch’s equally dangerous father, played by Christopher Lloyd), we learn Hutch was formerly an “auditor” – a government-sanctioned hitman who would eliminate threats no one else could handle.

Full-Blown Mayhem

As the mob closes in, Hutch evacuates his family, torches his house, and prepares for war. The final act is a beautifully choreographed, violent symphony of chaos set in the manufacturing warehouse, which he turns into a fortress filled with deadly traps and weapons.

With the help of his father and adopted brother (RZA), Hutch kills waves of Russian henchmen. Explosions, clever traps, and pure grit win the day, and Hutch executes Yulian in a fiery showdown using a tripwire and claymore mine.

Movie Ending

After wiping out the mob, Hutch is arrested but quickly released without explanation. His connections, clearly powerful, ensure he’s protected. Becca and Hutch begin house hunting, signaling a fresh start. Yet, during a viewing of a new home, Hutch gets a call and casually asks, “Does this place have a basement?”—implying that his violent past is far from over, and more action may lie ahead.

This final moment echoes the film’s theme: you can’t escape who you are, but maybe you can channel it.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, there is a mid-credits scene. It shows Hutch’s father (Christopher Lloyd) and his adopted brother (RZA) traveling in an RV filled with guns. This scene teases their potential continued involvement in Hutch’s world, suggesting a possible expansion of this universe or even a sequel.

There’s no end-of-credits scene, but the mid-credits moment is worth sticking around for.

Type of Movie

Nobody is a violent action thriller with elements of black comedy and revenge drama. Think John Wick meets Falling Down with a suburban dad twist.

Cast

Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell
Connie Nielsen as Becca Mansell
Christopher Lloyd as David Mansell (Hutch’s father)
RZA as Harry Mansell (Hutch’s adoptive brother)
Aleksei Serebryakov as Yulian Kuznetsov
Gage Munroe as Blake Mansell (Hutch’s son)
Paisley Cadorath as Sammy Mansell (Hutch’s daughter)

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack is a huge part of Nobody’s tone. It was composed by David Buckley, with a memorable use of classic tracks like:

“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” – Nina Simone
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
“Heartbreaker” – Pat Benatar

These songs play ironically over violent scenes, adding humor and dramatic flair.

Filming Locations

Filming took place primarily in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The drab suburban environment reflects Hutch’s early monotony, while the industrial locations emphasize the stark contrast between his peaceful life and brutal past.

Awards and Nominations

While Nobody wasn’t a major player during awards season, it received praise and several nominations from genre-specific and critic groups:

Saturn Awards nomination for Best Action/Adventure Film
Golden Trailer Awards for Best Action Trailer

Behind the Scenes Insights

Bob Odenkirk trained for two years in martial arts and stunt work before filming.
He based Hutch partially on a real home invasion experience, which sparked the film’s concept.
The bus fight scene took four days to shoot and involved minimal CGI.
Christopher Lloyd insisted on doing most of his own stunts.
Ilya Naishuller aimed for a grounded but brutal fighting style—unpolished but effective.

Inspirations and References

Inspired by John Wick, with the same screenwriter, but with a more grounded and less mythologized world.
Influences include Death Wish, A History of Violence, and The Equalizer.
The character Hutch is modeled after a mix of the everyman and the unstoppable assassin archetype.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no major alternate endings, but early versions of the script had Hutch staying more detached from his family. Test audiences preferred the version where he re-engages with his family by the end.

Deleted scenes include:

A longer interrogation scene at the police station.
More background on Yulian’s criminal operations.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Nobody is not based on a book. It’s an original screenplay by Derek Kolstad, although its themes are deeply rooted in classic revenge thrillers and pulp action fiction.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The bus fight—gritty, realistic, and an instant action classic.
Hutch breaking into the tattoo parlor and scaring a group of toughs into silence with just his presence.
The final warehouse battle featuring improvised weapons, father-son teamwork, and clever booby traps.

Iconic Quotes

Hutch: “I’m gonna f*** you up.”
Hutch’s Dad (David): “They brought a lot more men than I expected.”
Yulian: “Who the f*** are you?” – Hutch’s smirk in response says it all.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The vinyl Hutch listens to during the home invasion is a nod to Reservoir Dogs.
The “kitty bracelet” subplot mirrors the “puppy” motive from John Wick.
The safe house scene includes a photo of a younger Hutch in uniform—hinting at his military background.
The tattoo on the old man’s wrist in the tattoo parlor reveals Hutch’s elite status.

Trivia

Bob Odenkirk was attacked in real life, and that incident partially inspired the film’s core concept.
Hutch’s “auditor” role is loosely based on real government operatives used for deniable missions.
The film’s title, Nobody, is a reference to how society and even his family see Hutch—as a passive, forgettable man.