The Killer (2023): Full Review

“The Killer” (2023) is a film directed by David Fincher, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of contemporary cinema, known for works such as Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac and Gone GirlThis film marks his return to the dark, psychological thriller genre, working again with Netflix after their previous collaboration on Mank (2020).

Based on the French graphic novel by Alexis “Matz” Nolent and illustrated by Luc Jacamon, The Killer explores the inner world of a meticulous professional assassin, played by Michael Fassbender. With a cold, introspective approach, the film becomes more of a meditation on loneliness, professionalism, and emotional alienation than a conventional action thriller.

David Fincher, as usual, brings his signature visual style, obsession with detail, and surgical precision to the narrative and staging. The Killer It is not a film for all audiences, but it is undoubtedly a work that deserves attention for its stylized and psychological approach to crime.

Synopsis

The protagonist, known simply as "The Killer," is a man without a name or history who lives in the shadows. After a failed job in Paris, he becomes the target of his own employers. What follows is a story of quiet, methodical revenge, told from the perspective of the killer himself, with a constant voiceover that takes us into his rational, almost mechanical mind.

Throughout the film, the killer travels to various locations—including the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Florida, and Chicago—while systematically eliminating those involved in his betrayal. However, the most interesting aspect is not what he does, but how he does it: with a cold philosophy, a precise routine, and a constant justification that "nothing is personal."

The film doesn't feature major plot twists or explosive action scenes. Instead, it focuses on the process, the waiting, the rituals, and how a man tries to remain emotionally detached from his actions—something that becomes increasingly difficult when his personal life is affected.

Main cast

• Michael Fassbender as The KillerFassbender delivers a restrained, minimalist, and magnetic performance. His character rarely displays visible emotion, but his on-screen presence is intense. The voiceover provides a window into his inner world.
• Tilda Swinton as The Expert: He appears in one of the film's most memorable scenes. His character is sophisticated, dangerous, and elegant, representing a different version of the professional killer.
• Charles Parnell as Hodges: Represents the killer's contact, involved in the plot against him.
• Arliss Howard as The Client: The tycoon who ordered the failed assassination and then tried to eliminate the killer.

The supporting cast also includes brief but effective appearances, as many characters are quickly eliminated due to the nature of the protagonist.

Reviews

Professional criticism received The Killer generally positive, although divided on some aspects.

• The Hollywood Reporter He praised Fincher's direction and clinical approach to storytelling, highlighting how the film challenges genre expectations.
• Variety He praised Fassbender's performance and the script by Andrew Kevin Walker (Fincher's collaborator since Seven), but noted that the slow pace and emotional coldness might turn off some viewers.
• IndieWire was more critical, arguing that the film feels hollow in its attempt to appear profound, and that its stylized aesthetic does not compensate for the lack of emotional development.

Despite this, most agree that it is a technically impeccable work, with precise direction, elegant photography, and an immersive soundtrack.

Public reception

The public reception was also mixed. On platforms such as Rotten TomatoesThe film has a critics' score of 851 TP3T, while the audience score is around 601 TP3T. This reflects the divide between those who appreciate its measured style and those who expected a more conventional or dynamic story.

In IMDb, the film has a rating of around 6.8/10, indicating a moderately positive reception, but with notable criticisms about its slow pace and lack of emotional connection with the protagonist.

On social media, many viewers discussed the character's "monotonous" nature and the repetitive nature of some scenes. However, others praised the film's cerebral approach and its faithfulness to Fincher's vision.

Technical and visual aspects

This is where The Killer really shines:

Photography direction

The cinematography is in charge of Erik Messerschmidt, who also worked with Fincher on Mank (for which he won an Oscar). He uses cold, precise, and symmetrical framing, with a color palette that varies according to the location: grays in Paris, tropical tones in the Dominican Republic, warm colors in New Orleans, etc.

Mounting

The editing is neat and functional, without excessive cuts. Each scene develops patiently, allowing the tension to slowly build. Editing is also key to showing the killer's obsessive routine: from how he assembles his rifle to how he disposes of evidence.

Sound design

The sound design is meticulous, with prolonged silences that heighten the tension. Mechanical sounds (guns, locks, telephones, keyboards) are amplified to highlight the characters' attention to detail.

Soundtrack

The original music is composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, frequent Fincher collaborators. His work here is minimalist and atmospheric, reinforcing the protagonist's coldness and emotional alienation. The film also uses several songs from The Smiths, which contrasts ironically with the serious tone of the story.

Conclusion

“The Killer” (2023) is not your typical assassin movie. It's an introspective, elegant, and cerebral work, more interested in the psychology of its protagonist than in action or plot twists. David Fincher demonstrates, once again, his mastery of visual and narrative control, delivering a film that may be frustrating for some and fascinating for others.

Michael Fassbender perfectly embodies a character who has eliminated all humanity from his being, yet is forced to confront the emotional consequences of his actions. The film raises questions about identity, the ethics of professional killing, and the difficulty of staying disconnected in an increasingly unpredictable world.

It's not a film for everyone. Those looking for fast-paced action or emotional drama may be disappointed. But for those who appreciate meticulous, stylish, and thought-provoking cinema, The Killer It is a solid proposal worthy of Fincher's catalogue.

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