The Killer

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)

Most films that involve killers and assassins usually do their best to help the audience discover the hired gun's mind or may even make them completely inaccessible until the final act. That is for the conventional storyteller attempting to introduce the newest Jason Bourne franchise. Still, David Fincher has never been an artist who would be classified as conventional. The famed director has taken the Alexis "Matz" Nolent graphic novel series and given us a glimpse into the motivations and inner thoughts of those who make their living killing others.

On an extended assignment in Paris, the Killer (Michael Fassbender) shares his thoughts on maintaining his success as a hired assassin. His methodical and unemotional method has made him one of the best in the business, with a perfect record of kills until his latest mark eludes his aim. As the hitman returns home to the Dominican Republic after this failed attempt, he realises that the people he holds dearest are under threat. Despite keeping to the mantra of not getting emotionally involved in assignments, suddenly, he understands what it means to be on the other side of his livelihood. This sends him on a personal excursion to get ahead of those who want to see him killed.

The brilliance of a film like this is bringing together the right content with the best director and the perfect actor to play the lead character. Nolent’s storyline hints at The Accountant's methodical tone and The Conversation's psychological calisthenics while still giving a fresh look at the assassin’s journey. The moral justifications, subtle humour, and rare glimpses of humanity make for a characteristic mixture that perfectly manifests in Fassbender’s alter-ego. This role was the ideal moment for the Academy Award-nominated actor to reenter cinemas as he shows viewers what they have been missing for the last four years. What may have been a tedious venture in the hands of many other actors, Michael manages to convey everything needed for this performance to be compelling from start to finish. Tilda Swinton (Asteroid City) and Charles Parnell (Top Gun: Maverick) add a bit of spice to the cast ever so briefly, but this is Fassbender’s film through to the conclusion.

Yet, director David Fincher is the person to get the majority of the credit for this film. This genre chameleon’s last project was the Academy Award-nominated biopic, Mank. Then, following it up with a unique neo-noir action thriller seems to be an unexpected turn. Still, he shows his masterful skills to move through different directorial styles with finesse and leave his fingerprints all over the film. Fincher displays the mental impact this line of work has on all involved in this world of assassins. He goes on to complement the screenplay with brutally exquisite visuals that will draw eyes and hearts into this world without apology for the vicious destination. The film's weakest aspect can be found in the final act, but it is debatable whether this is a fitting end to the story. Yet, with the Smith’s tunes blaring throughout the movie, the celebrated filmmaker manages to expose the beauty of this heartless career choice while delivering one of the year's best films.

Reel Dialogue: Justice - does it truly exist?

Within the mantra spoken by the killer throughout the film, he states that there is no such thing as justice. This and many other topics he brings up to justify his actions are not true and fail to square with the realities of this world. Interestingly, he eventually proves that justice does exist and that he is the one who brings it through his actions.

The juxtaposition of this discussion challenges the notion that law enforcement, judicial systems, and even God seem to be questioned on their ability to handle the proper administration of justice. How can we know that justice will prevail in this world? Thankfully, despite the most desperate situations, there are answers to these questions, and the role of righteous judge has been taken. Throughout the Bible, we can see the injustices of mankind while the answers to these trials can be rectified by God, for those who trust him with their lives. Otherwise, this leaves you believing the cold-hearted reality of an assassin who only values his life and opinions.

What does the Bible have to say about justice? Isaiah 30:18, Psalm 37:27-29, Luke 6:37, Romans 12:19

If you would like to discuss the issues associated with justice and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.