The Killer

Technically, David Fincher is a director who leads the pack, having perfected the art of seamlessly coordinating actor movements with camera operations. His latest work, The Killer, starring Michael Fassbender and based on the French graphic novel series of the same name, could only be defined as a masterclass in filmmaking.

It’s the story of a hired gun who, quite literally, misses his shot. A chain of events unfolds that will keep you on the edge of your seat in the most obsessive, OCD-driven fashion.

Being partial to The Smiths, this film boasts some of the best soundtrack choices possible. The combination of Fassbender’s noir-esque inner talk and the iconic melodies of Morrissey and Marr is a marvel to witness. I never thought I’d hear Girlfriend in a Coma on a screen of this size: absolute goosebumps.

The fascination with the macabre shared by Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker, reunited after their collaboration on Seven, is elegantly woven into every frame. The film strips away the comic’s verbose soliloquies, instead sharpening the focus on the hitman’s methodical world with the director’s signature flair. Each element is meticulously crafted to heighten the sense of impending doom.

Fassbender’s portrayal is sublime, embodying the lone hitman with a chilling detachment that makes his occasional bursts of violence all the more startling. The Killer’s minimalist approach emphasises the solitude of his existence, reflecting a life reduced to the mechanics of taking a life. Dialogue is sparse, often drowned out by the gorgeous soundtrack, which not only underscore the hitman’s internal chaos but also amplify the narrative’s bleakness.

In true Fincher style, the camera lingers just long enough on each scene to etch the details into the viewer’s mind, turning mundane activities into a foreboding prelude to the next calculated move. This transcends conventional storytelling; it’s an artistic orchestration of suspense and despair, showcasing the director’s unparalleled ability to marry visuals with a haunting score to craft a cinematic experience that’s both enthralling and unnerving.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor

The Killer is released globally on Netflix on 10^th November 2023.

Read more reviews from our Venice Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Venice Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for The Killer here: