Director David Fincher has made another solid film on Netflix. Now here’s hoping he makes a third season of “Mindhunter” for the streaming service.
Let’s stick with his latest film, though. With “The Killer,” Fincher returns to the thriller genre, and gives audiences insight into the mind of an expert assassin. Playing the main character, who is only referred to as the Killer, is Michael Fassbender.
The film follows the character returning home from a job only to find someone close to him has been attacked. Knowing the perpetrators are still out there and could potentially strike again, the Killer sets out to eliminate the threats.
“The Killer” is a film that doesn’t actually have a ton of killing. This isn’t Fassbender’s character going on an all-out rampage for two hours. The elite assassin does in fact take some people out in the film, but the movie is more about his psyche, with an exploration of how he interprets the work he does.
Fincher’s latest film makes this clear early on. The Killer is introduced during a waiting period, as he keeps a look out for the best shot at his target with his inner monologues playing over these moments. These introspective commentaries by the lead character continue through the film, and provide an interesting push and pull, with the Killer viewing his actions as purely professional, despite his motivations at times being personal.
These types of characters, who are violent in nature with a cold and calculating front that masks a deeper personality that wants human relationships, make for compelling, interesting protagonists. It was true in 2010’s “The American” with George Clooney and 2011’s “Drive” with Ryan Gosling, and it’s true again with “The Killer.”
Fincher captures this by showcasing the protagonist’s meticulous, precise ways and matter-of-fact speech, while also displaying his obvious motivation to get back at those who wronged him. It’s an impressive character study, and it’s certainly boosted by the writing of Andrew Kevin Walker and the acting by Fassbender, on top of Fincher’s exceptional direction.
However, while the film is very much a drama, not a straight-up action picture, it does offer some action entertainment value. For example, there’s a brutal, extended hand-to-hand fight sequence in a house between the Killer and another assassin and it’s top notch.
There are also scenes where a moment of action is slowly but surely built up before a character makes their move. These are very effective at keeping an audience thoroughly at the edge of their seat.
As previously stated, Fassbender’s work goes a long way to making the main character, and therefore the film, succeed. This is arguably his best performance since he played Steve Jobs in the 2015 biopic.
Fassbender is joined in several scenes by other cast members also giving strong performances, even if their screen time is often limited. This includes Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell and Arliss Howard. Each of them play characters having tense insider discussions with the Killer over his recent actions.
“The Killer” is certainly one of Fincher’s leaner films. It’s a rather straightforward picture and doesn’t have as much narrative meat on its bones compared to other movies in the director’s filmography. That said, it’s still a very well-made movie on all fronts. 4.25 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 
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