MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Killer’ sneaks into theaters

“The Killer” (2023) is an R-rated action thriller film produced by Netflix. Directed by David Fincher (“Gone Girl,” “Se7ven“), it is an adaptation of the French graphic novel by the same name. The film stars Michael Fassbender (“Inglorious Basterds,” “X-Men“) as the titular character The Killer. It also has other stars such as Tilda Swinton (“Chronicles of Narnia,” “Doctor Strange“) and Charles Parnell (“Top Gun: Maverick“).  

The film was entered in the Venice International Film Festival. It also had a limited release in theaters. Some of the movie was filmed locally in the city of St Charles, IL, though it served as a a setting for Beacon, New York. Only those who know of the St Charles area will be able to keenly identify the settings, such as Hotel Baker and The Waterfront locations, featured.

The film is well-shot and structured differently from a typical thriller. It keeps viewers on their toes. Additionally, the voice narration from Fassbender gives a glance into the mind of a killer.  

The rest of the article contains spoilers, please proceed with caution. 

The plot of “The Killer” 

The film follows The Killer, an assassin hired by an unnamed organization to carry out a hit. However, in a turn of events, The Killer makes a mistake on the job by shooting the wrong person. His employer sends hitmen to find him.The Killer’s girlfriend then becomes the unintended victim of a beating. This sends him on a murderous rampage for the people responsible, and the film begins.

He soon reaches the very top of the chain of command. It is here where he chooses whether or not to kill or spare them. The film shows how his one mistake completely upends his life, and he takes whatever measures he can to find those responsible and get his revenge.  

The main character

Its unique take on an assassin failing a job and facing the consequences of that mistake makes it stand out. Usually, films with assassin-like characters such as James Bond and John Wick have main characters who are precise and rarely, if ever, mess up a kill. Generally, the characters’ methods start to fall apart throughout the film.

This character is on a revenge path, similar to John Wick’s motives, for someone he loves and cares for. However, John Wick is someone who doesn’t show mercy, whereas The Killer preaches this same philosophy but does not always follow through. Undeniably, this film deviates from the norm that’s expected from a film about a capable killer character.  

This film delves into The Killer’s psyche throughout the movie as we hear his thoughts and feelings throughout the narration. It highlights how he struggles to adhere to his own rules and how he eventually goes against his code entirely by the end. The excellent acting of Michael Fassbender as the calm collected killer elevates the film as you become drawn to his journey. This mystery surrounding him makes his next moves even more intriguing. The audience never gets to know his name; they only receive access to his thoughts. The narration contradicts his actions and offers the audience a juxtaposition.  

The supporting cast

Charles Parnell, who plays the lawyer who hires The Killer, fantastically portrayal of his character. For the most part, the power of his character over The Killer is established through phone calls. It is not until The Killer confronts him that the power dynamic completely switches.

Tilda Swinton’s character has a similar situation as well. She shares a long scene with Fassbender as she enjoys the last moments of her life having dinner. She then dies by his hand while trying to kill him herself, proving her deadliness as a killer as well.

A special highlight of the film involves the secretary of the lawyer, Delores (played by Kerry O’Malley). She has a subtle moment with The Killer that shows the first crack in his philosophy. The Killer has a reputation for being able to make people completely disappear. She pleads with him to give her a death that would allow her family to claim life insurance in exchange for information. This request is against his code. Nonetheless, he gives in. This os the first display of empathy for a victim of The Killer. We see this empathy come back at the end and it creates a full-circle feeling.

The narrative 

The film has an artsy, indie aesthetic. This makes sense with it being an entry into an arts festival. Its editing also reflects this: the movie splits into a six-chapter narrative. It is not typical of a thriller film. This is an example of the story leaning into its graphic novel origins. Every chapter is a new location for the viewer. From the first being Paris, where the job goes wrong, to the end in Chicago.

We watch The Killer as he travels around on multiple fake identities, showing his elite skills as an assassin as he disposes of each person involved with the assault of his girlfriend. He begins with a pattern of destroying phones or other materials involved in his killings. This pattern slowly disappears throughout the film, an example of his meticulous methods deteriorating.  

An interesting component is the way The Killer details his creed through his narration. He believes he shouldn’t show empathy or avoid being seen. Despite this, the audiences watches this slowly deteriorate throughout the film as methods become sloppy, and by the end, he is bold with his last target. While he is a skilled killer, it is a different experience to watch them make a mistake and then watch the criteria they follow become useless by the end. It shows that even the most talented can make many mistakes, even deadly ones.   

Not one to miss 

“The Killer” is compelling and a unique action thriller. Keeping audiences on edge and pondering his next move, the main character navigates the world he lives in of killing or being killed. Fincher’s captivating work is worth the watch, especially for those who enjoy an artistic flair to the genre. “The Killer” is a 4 out of 5 star film that holds an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is now streaming on Netflix.