After a fatal misfire, a methodical assassin (Michael Fassbender) embarks on an international manhunt for his employers in David Fincher’s newest thriller, “The Killer.”
A surprisingly humorous and intriguing tale of revenge, Fincher has crafted an engaging and methodical thriller rich with cynicism.
A slow burn stuffed with soulless internal monologues and nameless characters, Fincher’s latest film may leave some viewers less impressed in this Netflix streamer than his previous works. And I get it. The pacing drags, the ending is abrupt and “The Killer” does not break any new ground.
Nevertheless, Fincher’s gritty violence and notable elements noir thematics remain in fine form. And as a fan of the director’s obsessively stylized storytelling, I found myself engrossed with Fincher’s look into the protagonist’s pursuit of perfection through the his harshly skewed perspective.
And there is no “Killer” without Fassbender.
He is captivating as the no nonsense perfectionist. It’s not the first time we’ve seen him as a man without a speck of empathy, however the character’s deadpan attitude and odd quirks added a subtle sense of humor that I enjoyed — his eclectic hat collection, assortment of fake identifications, weirdly strict diet plan and obsession with The Smiths.
It’s a cold and meticulously executed thriller proving even if it’s not perfection, Fincher and Fassbender have still got it.
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