3 Big Things on ‘The Killer’ – A SPOILER-FREE Review

November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 Kenny

It’s been a few years since we’ve gotten a good-ol’ fashioned David Fincher murder movie. ‘Mank’ was fine I guess, but certainly not the typical Fincher-esque film we’re accustomed to. ‘The Killer’ feels more like a true “return-to-form” for Fincher than ‘Mank’ did after a 6-year hiatus. It’s really been since ‘Gone Girl’ in 2014 that we’ve gotten a film from Fincher that feels this…but we know he’s not for everybody.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to check out ‘The Killer’ this weekend on Netflix, here are 3 BIG THINGS you should consider:

1. It’s Fincher-ized ‘John Wick’.

Shortly after Fincher finishes up the prologue to ‘The Killer’ it becomes very apparent what type of film we’re in for. Things go south for our killer/assassin protagonist, and he set’s off on a rogue-agent revenge mission. It very much takes on a ‘John Wick’ style arc, but instead of the grandiose world-building viewpoint, we’re given something much more grounded in reality. This doesn’t necessarily have the same thrills of a ‘John Wick’ film, but the stakes seem much higher.

It left me actually believing that this type of assassin actually exists in the world. It’s a scary thought, but one that really holds some weight after seeing Fassbender in action.

2. It’s cool, but not much to it.

Please, excuse me. I don’t necessarily mean this as a dig. My lizard brain is all about watching movies with a less than 2-hour runtime. However, the rich story-telling and intricate plot that I’ve come to love with Fincher films really isn’t here. The film feels more like David Fincher wanted to dip his toes back into the thriller genre rather than dive back into the deep. Style and performances take the front seat here while the story sits in the back. Although, it is sitting in the center seat of the back-row, so clearly visible.

To be honest, though, the ease in which this movie is laid out is quite refreshing. It recognizes it’s strengths and leans into them without hounding you with a ton of information. It’s an easy watch if you’re ok with people getting murdered for 2 hours straight.

3. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross should score all the movies.

I’m probably biased, but man, do I love it when Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score a film or TV show. Much like their previous collaborations with Fincher, the tone and vibe of the film is really accentuated by their darker/out-of-the-box score. Like I said earlier about David Fincher though, it feels like they’re pulling some punches. I bet everyone is saving their best stuff for ‘The Social Network: Part 2’.

Admittedly, I’m manifesting.

VERDICT

‘The Killer’ is a great reminder that no one has an eye for the bleak-murder-thriller genre like David Fincher. Even so, this film feels more like an fun exercise in filmmaking than a fully fleshed-out feature. However, if that’s all your really looking for, you are not going to be disappointed in the slightest. There are some great visuals, intriguing sequences, and an interesting (albeit, short) story to boot.