The Killer, directed by David Fincher, is primarily a thriller with touches of action—roughly seventy-five percent suspenseful and twenty-five percent intense sequences—and centers on the life of a professional assassin whose assignment goes wrong early on. This mistake puts him and someone he cares about in danger, but escaping those consequences proves challenging. It brought to mind the visceral impact of Daniel Craig’s initial portrayal of James Bond, showcasing raw brutality rather than a polished secret agent. He is determined to hold accountable those responsible for their actions, so his response involves systematically pursuing them—a hitman's approach characterized by stealth and precision, embodying a "Sigma male" archetype similar to characters like John Wick and James Bond. Fincher has already established himself with an extensive catalog of acclaimed films including The Social Network, Se7en, Gone Girl, Fight Club, Zodiac, and Mindhunter, among others. He’s known for his distinctive style—violent and gritty—and The Killer remains consistent with that aesthetic. It's not simply a good film; it stands out from the crowd. The screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker (Se7en, 8mm) is based on Matz’s French comic book 'Le Tueur' illustrated by Luc Jacamon (2000). The action sequences emphasize the routine aspects of his profession more than outright combat, with one particularly brutal fight scene as an exception—the film is structured in chapters. Michael Fassbender and the supporting cast, including a welcome appearance from Tilda Swinton, are key to the movie’s impact, especially in the initial portion, which feels raw, stubborn, and methodical. Fassbender frequently listens to The Smiths to maintain focus and adhere to his plan. Dialogue is sparse between characters; most of what we hear consists of Fassbender's internal monologue delivered in first person. Aside from an unusual inclusion of Morrissey’s music, the soundtrack—created impeccably by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross—is minimalistic yet effective. This film is highly recommended for fans of hitman movies; I would rate it an 8 out of 10 or a grade of A-. It could be a strong contender for awards, potentially including adapted screenplay, best actor, and best director at the Academy Awards.

Source on TMDB