Heads Of State kicks open the door, tosses two world leaders into a forest, drops Priyanka Chopra Jonas into a tomato-filled shootout, and just keeps running from there.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Heads of State is streaming now on Prime Video. It’s loud, fast, often ridiculous, and surprisingly heartfelt. On paper, it’s about a U.S. President and a British Prime Minister crash-landing behind enemy lines. In practice, it’s a mismatched buddy comedy, a satire on modern politics, and an action film with real moments of emotional honesty.
It’s also the kind of movie that could easily have fallen apart. But it doesn’t. And one big reason why? Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who slips into the role of MI6 agent Noel Basset with such ease and precision, it’s a wonder she’s not headlining more of these global thrillers.
Here are five reasons why Heads of State deserves a spot on your watchlist this weekend.
1. The most entertaining odd couple in politics
John Cena plays President Will Derringer like he’s still half in his Hollywood days. Idris Elba’s Prime Minister Sam Clarke is all stiff posture and quiet judgment. They shouldn’t work together. But somehow, they do. Their chemistry carries the film. Watching them bicker, survive, and eventually figure each other out is both chaotic and oddly charming.
2. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the anchor
She doesn’t crash through walls or shout commands to prove her presence. Instead, she walks into scenes like she’s been holding everything together the whole time. Her character is smart, composed, and never overstated. Whether she’s leading a mission in the middle of Spain’s Tomatina festival or quietly taking back control later in the film, Priyanka’s Basset is the kind of action hero that gets under your skin in the best way. No flash, just force.
3. A political satire that doesn’t overdo it
Indeed, there are jokes about NATO, ridiculous press conferences, and world leaders acting more like schoolchildren than diplomats. But underneath all that, there’s a strange honesty. The movie doesn’t pretend to have answers, but it’s clear about its message: maybe the people in charge are just figuring things out as they go. It’s silly but not stupid. That balance makes it work.
4. The action has a personality
There’s a big set piece on Air Force One, a chase through a muddy forest, and an escape sequence inside a livestock truck while folk music plays in the background. It’s all stylish without being exhausting. The fights feel choreographed but still messy in a good way. It’s not about perfection. It’s about making sure you’re never bored. Mission accomplished.
5. Real emotion when you least expect it
In between the gunfire and punchlines, there are quieter moments that catch you off guard. Cena’s President lets his guard down more than once. Elba’s character, all cold and composed, slowly starts to crack. And even the supporting cast, especially Sarah Niles and Jack Quaid, bring little bursts of depth and sincerity. And then there’s Chopra, who doesn’t need monologues to say something real. She knows when to be still, when to strike, and when to leave a moment hanging.
High-stakes chaos, global politics, unlikely friendships, and a tomato festival shootout.
Heads of State is a little bit of everything, but it holds together thanks to sharp writing, great chemistry, and performances that know exactly when to step forward and when to step back.
And if you’re watching for Priyanka Chopra Jonas?
You won’t be disappointed.
