Even though Ben Affleck has his superhero duties covered as the Caped Crusader, The Accountant gives him another shot at a potential superhero franchise. The film isn’t based on an existing comic book but his character of Christian Wolff has all the character traits that suggest his origins could easily fit within the world of Marvel or DC. This is a more adult experience and what makes the film more than your run of the mill action thriller is that his abilities are derived from a real-life condition: his autism.
The film is about the feds, as represented by Director Raymond King (J.K. Simmons) and his sidekick, Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), tracking Christian as he attempts to untangle a web of deceit and murder orbiting the founder of a multi-billion dollar robotics corporation (played by John Lithgow). He finds himself crossing hairs with Braxton (Jon Bernthal), the leader of a private security militia whose duties go beyond merely offering “protection.” Braxton is a worthy adversary for reasons that become very apparent as the film progresses. Along the way, Christian becomes involved with Dana Cummings (Anna Kendrick), a CPA for the robotics firm, and appoints himself as her protector when he realizes she is in danger. However, due to his poor social skills, he is never able to express any feelings he may have for her in a meaningful fashion.
The film doesn’t use autism as a convenient plot device. In fact, the movie treats the condition with respect, even going so far as to provide information about the condition that doesn’t feel tacked on or preachy. Affleck’s Christian Wolff is in many ways defined by his autism. He’s high functioning but we also see how he struggles with many normal activities and how it requires an effort for him to function in social settings. His condition grants him incredible mathematical and analytical capabilities. His anti-bullying training as a child gives him strength, flexibility, martial arts, and marksman skills. If you thought Peter Parker was a tad socially awkward as he transitioned into becoming Spider-Man, wait until you meet Christian Wolff.
The movie uses flashbacks to fill in Christian’s origin story, picking incidents from his past to show how he developed from a reclusive, introverted child into the person he has become. It really follows the blueprint for most superhero origin tales but what makes it different is that it doesn’t bog you down with exposition like most origin stories. These inserts are placed strategically to enhance the story rather than distract from it. Christian’s relationship with Dana is awkward, as one might expect, and Affleck does a convincing job during their conversations. He rarely makes eye contact and seems trapped between wanting to say something and needing to flee from the room in a socially awkward induced panic. Affleck actually deserves major credit for selling this aspect of the character while also crafting someone who is intimidating in a deadly situation. That is no easy feat but Affleck has matured as an actor over the years so he’s completely believable here. Co-stars like Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons and Cynthia Addai-Robinson are solid in their roles but a tad underused. Like most origin stories, there is a feeling that the movie is establishing their characters for bigger roles in a potential sequel.
The Accountant stands on its own but could easily be the start of another franchise for Ben Affleck. Some have said he has been chasing Matt Damon, who has his own action franchise with the Bourne films, and perhaps this is Affleck’s answer to that. Reviews were mixed right down the middle for this one but I think this was a much more enjoyable experience than the negative reviews suggest. There is potential for growth and a continuation of a story that I would love to follow in a future installment.
Reel Talk gives The Accountant 3 Reels
