Spoilers will stick to the plan.

This is the movie that I expected would make me validate the monthly expense for Netflix. And to its credit, it does stand out. It’s very well made, directed and, specially, filmed. The cinematography and the editing are top notch. The story itself is simple, but it allows for David Fincher’s direction to outshine the storytelling and produce a very sleek film. I’m giving away the review already for your benefit.

(Credit: Netflix)

The Killer (2023) is directed by David Fincher. The screenplay was written by Andrew Kevin Walker, based on the graphic novel by Alexis Nolent and Luc Jacamon. The proverbial killer (Michael Fassbender) is a hitman for hire. We meet him as he’s waiting his chance to take out his latest mark. We don’t get to know his name or who the target is, or the reasons why someone would pay for the assassination. What we get is a voiceover narration, which I know is a bad sign but stick it out for a few minutes. It’s not an unnecessary chronicle of the events as told or exposition on the events. It’s the running internal monologue from the protagonist.

It works by adding an extra dimension to the usual assassin plot. There’s little specific details in both the excellent cinematography and the subtle shadowy palette illustrating the murky grey morals of our subject. As much as the killer repeats his mantras of cool, calculating methods it’s blatantly obvious he breaks and/or slips out of his stoic demeanor enough to skip over his own rules. Rather than being an unstoppable killer, he often finds himself having to change direction, improvise and almost instinctively dropping the façade just for a second. It’s almost the realization that this job also comes with a hypocrite mask of self-delusion. There’s also some other morsels that the more observant moviegoer will discover and enjoy.

Extremely recommended with minor reservations. There are very few surprises in the plot, and the storytelling might seem very straightforward. That being said, the execution is very pristine. Smooth camera work and editing makes for a very smooth run that feels almost too short. Packed with smooth little details that might be more engaging to some audiences than others. Very much worth a watch.

That will do for now.