In innumerable action, thriller, and science fiction films, Gal Gadot has established herself as a talented action star. She has established herself as a skilled action star while maintaining her recognisable chic and seductive look by playing the title role in Wonder Woman and numerous other DC films, making appearances in the Fast & Furious action franchise, starring in the action-comedy Red Notice, and being billed for the upcoming action-thriller, Heart of Stone.
She typically plays the majority of these roles straight. But Greg Mottola’s spy comedy Keeping Up With the Joneses gave her the freedom to depart from that and twist her instantly recognisable sleek and in-charge demeanour in order to lean into a more humorous role. Gal Gadot had the chance to showcase her comedy skills in this film.
Natalie (Gadot) and Tim Jones, a married couple. Relocate to Karen (Isla Fisher) and Jeff Gaffney’s (Zach Galifianakis) suburban neighbourhood in the television series Keeping Up With the Joneses. The typical good looks, style, and charm of this pair fascinate Jeff but raise suspicion in Karen. Karen was right to suspect the Joneses were covert spies, and it turns out that she was right. This cover, however, is only one aspect of the duplicity. Gal Gadot’s comedy genius in this film is to play with this duplicitousness by portraying a suburban housewife goddess while her actual espionage side is frantically trying to emerge.
Gal Gadot Playing the Ideal Neighbor & Wife
Jeff returns from work to find Karen has invited Natalie and Tim into their home in our first formal introduction to the Joneses. Listen as Natalie welcomes Jeff with a bright grin and the energetic sing-along “We’re the Joneses,”. Which captures their idealised picture of a happy couple.
Natalie’s facade, which imitates the modern cliche of the “woman who has it all,” is comically perfect. She claims to be a social media consultant who also maintains a cuisine blog on the side and volunteers for an orphan charity. Gadot’s delivery of these lines—and the lies she tells—is wonderful. The gentleness with which she interacts with Hamm’s character is the model of a submissive and agreeable partner. She tells Karen and Jeff that their neighbourhood is “such a gorgeous street”. While tilting her head to one side and gently shaking it, furthering the impression of good neighbourliness.
Natalie almost embodies innocence and purity in her white dress and cardigan. But the cut-out, slightly risqué feature of the clothing suggests that Natalie may be more subversive than she appears. She is obviously more than just a sweet social media strategist. You get the impression that there is something else simmering beneath the surface, which makes the prim and proper performance all the funnier. Gadot is able to delve further into considerable comedic performance thanks to this masquerade.
Gal Gadot Shines Through Physical Comedy
Gadot’s performance in Keeping Up With The Joneses showcased her ability to use physicality not just for action. But also for comedic effect. In one scene, she pokes fun at the cliché of a man explaining something unnecessary to a woman by miming throwing a dart according to his instructions. Before flawlessly hitting the target with her own technique and acting surprised by the success. It’s a great example of Gadot’s talent for conveying her character’s wit and duality through subtle movements.
Gal Gadot’s Humor Holds Up When the Mask Comes Off
Natalie, the undercover spy, appears comfortable with her double life. Leading to a hilarious moment in the film where she calmly discusses a sudoku puzzle with Tim after a thrilling car chase. However, her true self occasionally shines through, providing comedic moments. At the yard party. She stands out by wearing a dress with a low back, similar to her first meeting with the Gaffneys.
This hints at her dislike for suburban life, as revealed during an argument with Tim where she expresses her frustration with the “vicious” women in the suburbs. This glimpse of her true persona is just as entertaining as her outward persona, due to its honesty and relatable frustration.
Gal Gadot’s Comedic Talent Deserves the Spotlight in Future Cinematic Ventures
Gadot’s portrayal of a suburban housewife in the movie stands out due to her use of physical comedy and vulnerability. Despite sharing the screen with well-established comedy actors like Hamm, Fisher, and Galifianakis, she holds her own and brings a fresh and unique touch to the film. Her performance as both the fake persona and the moments of stress where she reveals her true self, seems to mock the suburban lifestyle, suggesting that the community is the real deception, and she is merely reflecting it in a humorous way. It’s worth noting that Isla Fisher, who stars in the horror-comedy series ‘Wolf Like Me’, also delivers an impressive performance.
