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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

The Killer (2023) : A Noir Ballet of Blood, Rules, and Unsettling Calm!

A man solitary and cold, methodical and unencumbered by scruples or regrets, the killer waits in the shadows, watching for his next target. And yet the longer he waits, the more he thinks he's losing his mind, if not his cool. A brutal, bloody and stylish noir story of a professional assassin lost in a world without a moral compass, this is a case study of a man alone, armed to the teeth and slowly losing his mind.



Hey thriller enthusiasts and Netflix devotees! If you're ready for a dance with darkness, join me as we dissect "The Killer," featuring the formidable trio of Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, and Charles Parnell. Before you step into the shadows, quench your curiosity with the spine-chilling trailer: See above.


In a world shrouded in shadows, a solitary and cold killer, played by the enigmatic Michael Fassbender, waits patiently for his next prey. Methodical and unburdened by scruples or regrets, he dances on the edge of sanity while armed to the teeth. The longer he waits, the more it seems he's losing his mind, if not his unnerving composure. "The Killer" is a brutal, bloody, and stylish noir story of a professional assassin lost in a moral vacuum, a man alone with a mind slowly slipping away.


Michael Fassbender, Tilda Swinton, and Charles Parnell form the deadly trio at the heart of this chilling narrative. Fassbender embodies the killer with a cold precision that sends shivers down your spine. Swinton, with her unparalleled talent, adds an extra layer of darkness to the plot, while Parnell contributes his own brand of intensity. Together, they create a lethal ensemble that brings the noir tale to life.


As I plunged into the murky depths of "The Killer," several aspects gripped my attention like a vice.

Firstly, I couldn't help but revel in the killer's world governed by rules that he systematically breaks. It's a thrilling paradox, watching a character adhere to a stringent code and yet revel in the chaos of its violation. The tension created by this internal conflict adds layers to the character and the story.

The cinematography is top-notch, capturing the grim beauty of the noir world. Every shot feels deliberate, enhancing the brooding atmosphere that permeates the storyline. The first fight scene, a brutal and extreme display of action, is a visceral experience that almost makes you feel the impact. It sets the tone for the raw intensity that follows.

The performances are a testament to the talent of the cast. Fassbender, in particular, carries the weight of the character with a quiet yet menacing presence. Swinton and Parnell complement the atmosphere with their own unique contributions, creating a trio that holds the audience captive.


However, even in the shadows, not everything is flawless. A few shadows cast doubt on the brilliance of "The Killer."

This one is a slow burn, and for those seeking immediate gratification, it might test your patience. The narrative unfolds gradually, building tension layer by layer. While this deliberate pacing adds to the noir aesthetic, it could leave some viewers yearning for a quicker descent into the shadows.

When your antihero gives you little to associate with, it becomes challenging to cheer for their journey. The killer's enigmatic nature, while intriguing, creates a detachment that might hinder emotional investment in the character's fate.

The killer's mantra, a recurring theme throughout the film, becomes a tad annoying after a while. While the slow evolution of the mantra offers a slight change, it risks feeling repetitive and losing its impact over time. It's a risky narrative choice that might divide the audience.

The ending, unfortunately, feels unresolved. After investing in the killer's descent into madness, the conclusion leaves a lingering sense of ambiguity. While open-ended conclusions can be powerful, this one feels more like a narrative loose end than a deliberate choice.


Before you step into the noir world of "The Killer," be prepared for the slow burn, an antihero with elusive relatability, a mantra that might echo in your mind, and an ending that leaves questions hanging in the shadows.


A fun fact to illuminate the shadows – "The Killer" is a passion project for David Fincher that has been in the making for nearly 20 years. In 2008, Fincher initially envisioned Brad Pitt in the lead role, but Pitt found the narrative a little too "nihilistic" for his taste.


As the shadows settle, "The Killer" earns a calculated 6.5/10 on the thriller scale. It's a dance with darkness that excels in some areas while leaving shadows of doubt in others.



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