--- title: "The Killer" year: 2023 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-killer" fi1m_id: "the-killer" imdb_id: "tt1136617" tmdb_id: 800158 wikidata_id: "Q111008873" fi1m_score: 72 critics_score: 68 critics_reviews: 18 published: "2026-09-12" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:04.848940+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Killer (2023) Directed by David Fincher · 1h 58m · MPA R · Crime, Thriller ## Identity The Killer - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-killer - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** the-killer - **IMDb ID:** tt1136617 - **TMDB ID:** 800158 - **Wikidata ID:** Q111008873 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1136617/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/800158, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111008873 **Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 68 from 18 reviews *In a sentence:* Fassbender kills his way back to a quiet life and narrates every minute of it > Fincher’s hitman film is lean, cold and drier than it first looks, with Michael Fassbender reciting his own rules over a Smiths soundtrack. The craft is immaculate, one fight is worth the evening on its own, and there is not much underneath. ## Synopsis A professional assassin (Michael Fassbender) waits in an empty office in Paris for the man he has been paid to shoot. He passes the days doing yoga, watching the flat across the street and rehearsing the rules that have kept him alive and unnoticed: stick to the plan, anticipate, do not improvise. When the target finally appears, the shot goes wrong. David Fincher directs from a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker. Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard and Sophie Charlotte make up the rest of a small cast. ## Review David Fincher has made a film about a man who waits. The Killer (Michael Fassbender) sits in an empty office in Paris across the street from the flat of a man he has been paid to shoot, doing yoga, listening to The Smiths and telling us the rules he lives by. After several days the target appears, the shot is lined up, and it misses. The rest is the tidying that follows, and *The Killer* is at its best when it treats murder as tidying. It is lean, cold and often funny, and it is a small film from a director who used to make large ones. Andrew Kevin Walker wrote *Se7en* for Fincher in 1995. What he has written is a list of tasks, a handful of meetings and a voiceover that runs under nearly everything. Fassbender reads it flat, like a man reciting his own instruction manual, and for the first half hour it is the best joke in the film. We laughed at how seriously he takes himself, and then, somewhere around the fourth airport, we noticed the voiceover was saying the same things again. We think the repetition is meant to be funny. After an hour it is not. The craft is exactly what you would expect from this director. Erik Messerschmidt shoots the Paris office in the thin grey light that comes through unwashed windows, and the rest of the film in colours so clean they look scrubbed. Donald Graham Burt’s sets are anonymous on purpose: the office is a bare room with a mattress, a folding chair and a view. Cate Adams dresses Fassbender as a tourist nobody would look at twice, and the joke is that it works. Kirk Baxter cuts the waiting so it is never dull and the killing so it is never pretty. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross keep the score to a low electronic pulse and mostly get out of the way of the Smiths. The fight is the reason to see it. Somewhere past the halfway mark the Killer meets a man the credits call The Brute (Sala Baker), and the two of them wreck a house. Fincher shoots it handheld, close, with almost no music, and every blow lands with the sound of furniture breaking, because mostly it is furniture breaking. We flinched, more than once, and for the length of that sequence we were properly frightened for a man we had been told not to care about. The supporting cast get a scene each. Tilda Swinton, as The Expert, gets the best written passage in the film, a long conversation over dinner in which she talks for her life and knows exactly how it is going. Charles Parnell’s Hodges, the lawyer who takes the Killer’s bookings, has the manner of a man who thinks the meeting is going better than it is. Arliss Howard’s Claybourne, the client, is the film’s one glimpse of who these men work for: small, frightened and ordinary. Kerry O’Malley, as the lawyer’s assistant Dolores, does a great deal with a handful of lines. What the film lacks is anything under the surface. The Killer tells us he believes in nothing, and the film takes him at his word, so there is nobody to root for and nobody to fear for except in that house. Sophie Charlotte, as Magdala, the woman he goes home to, is the reason he does any of it and is given almost nothing to play. The last stretch is quieter than the film has taught you to expect, and it lands as a shrug. We had a good time anyway. Set against Fincher’s own work it is minor. [*Zodiac*](https://film.one/film/zodiac) (2007) was also about procedure and patience, and about a city’s fear across a decade. *Se7en* had an argument, however lurid. *The Killer* has a man, a list and a soundtrack. Watch it at home, late, with the sound up for the house and no need of subtitles, since the voiceover will tell you everything twice. It runs 118 minutes and carries a 15. *Fi1m score 72, published 12 September 2026.* ## Straight answers **Is The Killer worth watching?** *The Killer* is worth watching for anyone who enjoys a cold, precise thriller more than a heartfelt one, and we scored it 72. David Fincher's craft is immaculate and one fight in a house is worth the evening on its own, but the voiceover repeats itself and there is not much underneath the surface. **How long is The Killer, and what is it rated?** *The Killer* runs 1h 58m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a crime and thriller film. **Where can I watch The Killer in the US?** *The Killer* is not on any streaming or rental service in the US at the moment. It is available in 1 other country; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How violent or frightening is The Killer, and is it suitable for children?** *The Killer* carries a 15 in the UK and an R in the United States, and it is not suitable for children. The violence is sparing but hard when it comes: one long handheld fight in a house made us flinch more than once, and the killings are shot to look ugly rather than exciting. Teenagers of fifteen and over should be fine. **How does The Killer compare to The Day of the Jackal?** *The Killer* and [*The Day of the Jackal*](https://film.one/film/the-day-of-the-jackal) are both about an assassin's preparation, but Fred Zinnemann's film is the better of the two, because the waiting itself is the thrill and the procedural detail carries a long pursuit. Fincher's film is drier and funnier, with a superb fight and a flat, repetitive voiceover. Choose the older film for absorption, the newer for style. **What should I watch after The Killer?** After *The Killer*, try [*Le Samouraï*](https://film.one/film/le-samourai) (1967, Fi1m 88): Alain Delon in a trench coat, saying almost nothing; the film this one is quietly copying. Then [*The Day of the Jackal*](https://film.one/film/the-day-of-the-jackal) (1973, Fi1m 84): An assassin’s preparation shown step by step, and the waiting is the thrill; and [*Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai*](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai) (1999, Fi1m 80): Jarmusch’s hitman reads philosophy and keeps pigeons; funnier and warmer than Fincher’s. ### Reviews we read (30) - **Film Comment**, Nathan Lee (80/100, inferred): Fincher delivers a sleek, meticulously assembled hitman film that doubles as dry workplace satire. The Smiths soundtrack and Fassbender's controlled performance stand out as highlights. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/this-charming-man-the-killer-david-fincher-review/) - **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (5/4/4): The critic sees the film as a lean, mean thriller with a dry sense of humour that presents wet work unglamorously. It is engaging as a character study of a cryptic protagonist, though less ambitious than Fincher's best work. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-killer) - **Radio Times** (4/5): The critic calls it a grisly but highly satisfying tale of survival, praising Fassbender's triumphant return as a tightly-wound hitman. It reunites Fincher with the Se7en writer for a pleasing result, especially for fans of the director's earlier work. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-killer-review-fassbender-comment/) - **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (80/100, inferred): Fincher delivers a slick, cruel, tongue-in-cheek hitman movie destined to be a cult classic, with a standout Fassbender performance and brutally effective fight scenes, though the character remains a cipher. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/killer-review-one-david-fincher-cruellest-films-2708987) - **Empire**, John Nugent (75/100, inferred): Fincher returns to thriller territory with immaculate craft and a riveting revenge story anchored by Fassbender's icy intensity, though it falls short of masterpiece status with an anticlimactic ending. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-killer-2023/) - **Total Film**, Jane Crowther (70/100, inferred): Fincher crafts a precise, propulsive assassin drama with fun genre nods, pop-culture gags and nuance from Fassbender's blank protagonist, evoking what a Fincher Bond film might look like. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-killer-2023-review/) - **The AV Club**, Brent Simon (C+): The film is technically masterful and meticulously assembled but aloof and cold, lacking significant substance or memorable scenes despite strong craft and Fassbender's solid work. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-killer-film-review-david-fincher-netflix-1850954139) - **Evening Standard**, Jo-Ann Titmarsh (3/5): Fincher and Fassbender pull off an accomplished and entertaining thriller about a hunted hitman, but it lacks the shocks of Fight Club and is hard to root for such a successful murderer. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-killer-movie-review-david-fincher-michael-fassbender-b1104359.html) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The critic finds the slick assassin thriller explosive but empty, fulfilling only part of its promise with a soulless genre arc. It remains watchable and gorgeous-looking thanks to controlled filmmaking and bursts of brutality. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-killer-2023) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (50/100, inferred): The critic sees potential for great dry comedy undermined by relentless voiceover that tips into silliness, praising expertly composed sequences while complaining about the protagonist's endless philosophical blathering. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/david-finchers-the-killer-couldve-been-a-great-comedy.html) - **Financial Times**, Danny Leigh (40/100, inferred): The Killer is a competent but grindingly bland popcorn revenge yarn that fails to live up to its potential despite Fincher’s touch. The critic complains of its perfunctory tone and overworked Smiths gags while acknowledging Fassbender’s efforts. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/35fab8b2-0379-4fc5-b175-420974bb5bfc) - **IndieWire**, Ryan Lattanzio: The critic calls it a sleek if small thriller armed with existential futility, praising Fassbender's zen killer performance and Fincher's execution while noting the film's limited scope and focus on self-deception. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-killer-review-david-fincher-michael-fassbender-1234901969/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Joshua Rothkopf: Fincher returns to basics with a sleek, under-two-hour thriller that showcases his signature style in bursts through methodical process and strong supporting turns. The critic calls it a confident, entertaining reboot that proves the director remains untouchable. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-11-18/the-killer-review-david-fincher-michael-fassbender-netflix) - **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico: Fincher delivers a detail-rich procedural about a perfectionist hitman whose world unravels after a rare mistake. The critic praises the technical precision, dark humor, and personal themes of obsession while noting the cold protagonist may alienate some viewers. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-killer-film-review-2023) - **Screen Daily**: The critic describes a precision-tooled thriller with a philosophical edge that showcases Fassbender in a substantial lead role. It is compelling, more than a sleek genre exercise, and likely to reward repeated viewings. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-killer-venice-review/5185503.article) - **Sight and Sound**: The critic finds Fincher's hitman procedural intriguing and freshly staged, with a double-edged study of professional independence. Fassbender's restrained performance and the film's crisp action sequences, including a standout fight, entertain and unsettle. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/killer-david-finchers-normcore-assassin-unnerves-entertains) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: Fincher’s hitman thriller is a terrifically stylish and enjoyable procedural with deadpan focus and absurd entertainment value. The critic singles out Fassbender’s inscrutable performance and the film’s surface-level flair for praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/sep/03/the-killer-review-terrific-david-fincher-thriller-about-a-philosophising-hitman) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Leslie Felperin: The critic finds the film a wry, efficient process-oriented thriller that subverts assassin tropes with boring costumes and unexpected choices, delivering a satisfying retro genre exercise. Praises the pulpy, location-hopping plot and Fincher's direction. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-killer-review-michael-fassbender-david-fincher-1235581046/) - **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: Fincher’s stylish film follows a loquacious, dull hitman cleaning up after a botched job, but repetitive voiceover and thin material leave it feeling empty despite strong craft. The critic finds the central character and movie boring overall. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/movies/the-killer-review-fincher.html) - **The Telegraph**: Fincher delivers a sleek, icy hitman revenge thriller executed with steely resolve. The critic singles out Michael Fassbender’s brilliantly malevolent performance as the highlight. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/review-the-killer-fassbender-fincher/) - **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★☆☆): The film is a slick, stone-cold hitman story with stylish action and quirky touches like the Smiths soundtrack, though it does not reinvent the genre. The critic notes the enjoyable precision and Fassbender’s performance but finds few surprises. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/the-killer-review-fassbender-is-a-slick-smiths-obsessed-assassin-85gsx2n72) - **HeyUGuys**, Lisa Giles-Keddie (4/5): The critic praises it as a technically brilliant Fincher film with meticulous filmmaking, enigmatic character development, and strong performances, especially Fassbender's composed nihilist, though the conclusion feels rushed and somewhat unresolved. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-killer-review/) - **NME**, Lou Thomas (4/5): Fincher misses top-tier status but delivers an entertaining, crowd-pleasing hitman romp with slick action, clever procedural work and strong turns from Fassbender and Swinton. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/the-killer-review-david-fincher-3522760) - **The Ringer**, Adam Nayman (75/100, inferred): The critic views the film as a stylish, unsentimental take on familiar assassin material that remains entertaining and accomplished despite its minimalist narrative and cynical worldview. He singles out the mid-film fight scene for particular praise as the director’s best use of handheld camerawork since Se7en. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2023/11/07/movies/the-killer-movie-review-netflix-david-fincher) - **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (7/10): The critic sees it as a lesser but still enjoyable Fincher work, a cold, calculating showcase of the director's precise style in a simple story of an assassin methodically handling tasks and complications. It praises the technical clarity and fun in watching the protagonist work, even if the humor and depth feel thin. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1430013/the-killer-review/) - **The Playlist** (B-): The review calls it a competently realized but orthodox homage to classic crime thrillers that lacks the visionary brilliance or twists of Fincher's best work, yet remains entertaining and well-made by a sharp technical team. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/the-killer-david-finchers-homage-to-the-classic-crime-thriller-with-michael-fassbender-is-entertaining-but-orthodox-venice/) - **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (65/100, inferred): Fincher returns to familiar stylish territory with a slick revenge thriller that is formulaic and unsurprising. Fassbender's icy lead performance and one standout fight scene provide the main appeal. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a45778330/the-killer-review-netflix/) - **Eye for Film**, Andrew Robertson (55/100, inferred): The review notes the film's bright, crisp adaptation with updated cultural references and arch humor, highlighting its compelling escape sequences and pattern-driven style while questioning the gender imbalance in violence and the impact of the voiceover narration. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-killer-2023-film-review-by-andrew-robertson) - **Deadline**, Damon Wise: Fincher delivers a lean, mean hitman drama that hits the target with bewitching precision and jet-black absurdist humor. The film embraces perfection and provides satisfying escapism for fans and mainstream audiences alike. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/09/the-killer-review-david-fincher-michael-fassbender-hitman-drama-1235535405/) - **The Wrap**, Ben Croll: Fincher crafts a witty assassin thriller for the gig economy with icy crisp precision and near total formal command. The film is chilly-to-the-touch but wrings a great deal of wit from its frigid world through sharp voiceover and a Smiths soundtrack. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/the-killer-review-david-fincher-michael-fassbender/) ## Details - **Director:** David Fincher - **Director:** David Fincher - **Screenplay:** Andrew Kevin Walker - **Cinematography:** Erik Messerschmidt - **Editor:** Kirk Baxter - **Music:** Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross - **Production design:** Donald Graham Burt - **Costume design:** Cate Adams - **Producer:** Peter Mavromates, William Doyle, Ceán Chaffin - **Cast:** Michael Fassbender as The Killer; Tilda Swinton as The Expert; Charles Parnell as The Lawyer - Hodges; Arliss Howard as The Client - Claybourne; Kerry O'Malley as Dolores; Sophie Charlotte as Magdala; Emiliano Pernía as Marcus; Gabriel Polanco as Leo - **Runtime:** 1h 58m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 27 October 2023 - **Genres:** Crime, Thriller - **Budget:** $175 million - **Box office:** $362,113 - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S7FR_HCg9g ## Where to watch in the US Not streaming, renting or buying in the US at the last check. Also available in: GB. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Le Samouraï* (1967), Fi1m 88: Alain Delon in a trench coat, saying almost nothing; the film this one is quietly copying. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/le-samourai.md) - *The Day of the Jackal* (1973), Fi1m 84: An assassin’s preparation shown step by step, and the waiting is the thrill. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-day-of-the-jackal.md) - *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), Fi1m 80: Jarmusch’s hitman reads philosophy and keeps pigeons; funnier and warmer than Fincher’s. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md) - *The American* (2010): George Clooney builds a rifle in an Italian hill town; slow, handsome, very quiet. - *Zodiac* (2007), Fi1m 91: Fincher at his most patient, with the same love of procedure and far higher stakes. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/zodiac.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-killer