“The Killer” finds David Fincher back on Netflix and in more familiar territory than his 2020 biopic “Mank,” which was a personal project for the filmmaker. He even teamed up with Seven writer Andrew Kevin Walker again to make it feel even more like classic Fincher.
And classic Fincher is exactly what you get from The Killer. It’s no exaggeration to say that he saw something of himself in the main character, a nameless assassin who meticulously plans every detail and sticks to his plan no matter what.
While The Killer (Michael Fassbender) uses this mantra to deliver his latest hit, Fincher carefully plans every aspect of his films for ultimate cinematic thrills. Everything is in its right place and the result is a stylish and sophisticated revenge thriller, but you’ll wish there was a little more to it.
Netflix
Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, “The Killer” embarks on an international manhunt for an assassin against his employers after an attack goes wrong, which has consequences for those close to him.
If you’re expecting a twisty and surprising revenge thriller, this is not the film. “The Killer” is divided into six chapters. Most chapters pit the unnamed assassin against someone who has wronged him, including “The Brute” (Sala Baker), “The Expert” (Tilda Swinton), and “The Lawyer” (Charles Parnell).
The killer is so good at what he does that you feel like he’s never in danger, and it’s telling that the standout chapter is the one that deals with real danger. Fincher stages an incredible fight scene between The Killer and The Brute that is brutal, funny and painful to watch. There’s even a connection to Antiques Roadshow.
Every other chapter is excellently crafted and there is also something to admire, such as Tilda Swinton’s delivery of the “Hunter and the Bear” joke. However, it’s all pretty formulaic and unsurprising, so it grabs the moment but probably doesn’t linger as long as some other Fincher films do.
Netflix
However, what “The Killer” always has in its favor, aside from Fincher’s impeccable craft, is the lead role of Michael Fassbender. In his first film role in four years, he is a perfect fit as the icy and distant assassin who struggles with a contradiction between his inner thoughts and his real-life actions.
If the opening chapter – a long section of Fassbender looking out the window and endless voiceover – might test viewers’ patience, here it shows the more playful side of Fincher. The killer may think he’s flawless, but it’s obvious those days are over and Fassbender’s dry delivery leads to some morbidly comical moments.
It’s an unexpected element in a film that could probably use more surprise. However, the middle-grade David Fincher is also worth your time, and The Killer is a stylish and gripping revenge thriller.
“The Killer” is now available to watch on Netflix.
Film editor, digital spy
Ian has over 10 years of experience in film journalism as a writer and editor. He started as an intern at industry bible Screen International and was promoted to reporter and UK box office analyst. He also carved out his own niche with horror films and attended genre festivals around the world. After joining Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. In 2019 he was appointed film editor. In this role he has interviewed hundreds of stars including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, became a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and others -stage at the MCM Comic- Con. He continues to push his horror agenda wherever he can – whether his editor likes it or not.