Michael Fassbender underrated action thriller The Killer on Netflix is a film that quietly raised the bar for the hitman genre when it arrived in 2023, bringing a subversive and realistic approach not often seen in high-profile streaming releases. Directed by David Fincher, the movie stands out through its deliberate pace and captivating performance by Fassbender, making it an essential watch for anyone who appreciates a nuanced take on crime dramas.
Fassbender and Fincher Join Forces for a New Kind of Hitman Movie
Michael Fassbender, celebrated for his emotionally charged portrayals in films like Shame, Inglorious Basterds, and the X-Men series as the younger Magneto, sought out new territory with The Killer. While his blockbuster and critically acclaimed projects often steal the spotlight, this 2023 action thriller has flown largely under the radar, despite its origins in a revered French comic known as Le Tueur, written by Matz (Alexis Nolent) and illustrated by Luc Jacamon.
David Fincher’s directorial approach, paired with Andrew Kevin Walker’s screenplay adaptation, transforms The Killer into an experience that’s equal parts psychological journey and character study. Fassbender steps into the role of an unnamed contract killer whose methods and mindset shake up conventional expectations for this sub-genre. Rather than focusing on stylized violence, the film offers an exploration into solitude, monotony, and the unglamorous aspects of killing for hire—elements rarely depicted with such intense emotional precision.
The narrative unfolds through the killer’s introspective narration, tracking his thoughts on mortality, regret, and the ways fear shadows his every step. Drawing inspiration from Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samouraï, Fincher creates a world and a protagonist reminiscent of Jeff Costello (played by Alain Delon), emphasizing discipline and existential dread over spectacle.
A Methodical, Subdued Journey Through the World of Assassins
The Killer rejects the expected adrenaline rush of most modern action movies. Instead, it welcomes viewers into the measured ritual of a hitman’s daily existence—beginning with scenes that highlight meticulous routines: Fassbender’s character eats, stretches, and tunes out to The Smiths, all in preparation for a high-stakes assignment. There is an intensity in the film’s silence and the killer’s detachment, transporting audiences into his quietly fraught world. After a rare misstep during a mission, the killer embarks on a relentless path of vengeance that takes him across borders, piecing together an international web of intrigue.
The film steers clear of exaggerated shootouts and outrageous stunts, setting itself apart from franchise fare like John Wick. Fincher eliminates the usual excesses that often define hitman movies, instead crafting a story that leans on fatigue, solitude, and raw perseverance. Early in the narrative, the film’s protagonist offers an honest glimpse into the realities of his work:
It’s amazing how physically exhausting it can be to do nothing. If you’re unable to endure boredom, this work is not for you,
— the killer. This quote encapsulates the film’s focus on the mundane alongside the menacing, shining a light on the effort and mental toll involved in a solitary existence full of waiting and watching.
While the supporting cast—Tilda Swinton, Sophie Charlotte, Kerry O’Malley, Arliss Howard, Sala Baker, and Charles Parnell—appear throughout the assassin’s journey, the storytelling remains centered on the killer’s single-minded search for retribution. Little backstory is given for the people he encounters, as the script zeroes in on his process and mission. This minimalist approach, while sparing on character development, works in tandem with the film’s drive to depict a supremely focused anti-hero.
Behind the Scenes: A Long-Awaited Adaptation Comes to Life
The Killer’s journey from comic pages to Netflix was far from straightforward. Initially developed in 2007 by Paramount Pictures and Plan B Entertainment, the project changed hands and creative direction several times. Alessandro Camon worked on the script in its early stages, but when Netflix acquired the rights, Andrew Kevin Walker took over screenwriting duties. This long gestation period allowed the creative team to refine the film’s distinct vision, ensuring that the production stayed true to the original graphic novel’s introspective spirit.
Released in theaters for a limited run in October 2023, The Killer made its streaming debut on Netflix on November 10, 2023, following its premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2023. The film’s stylish cinematography and immersive sound design, hallmarks of Fincher’s visual storytelling, set it apart from other neo-noir thrillers, drawing praise from genre fans and cinephiles alike.
The Significance of ‘The Killer’ in Modern Cinema
The Killer stands as a testament to David Fincher’s creative versatility and ability to defy genre conventions, with Michael Fassbender delivering a performance that underscores the emotional and psychological costs of living on society’s fringes. For Fincher, whose body of work already includes notable films like Seven, Fight Club, and Zodiac, this project highlights his ongoing fascination with morally ambiguous protagonists and meticulously constructed narratives.
Currently, Fincher is engaged with projects such as an upcoming sequel to Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, as well as the continued direction of the animated anthology series Love, Death + Robots, whose fourth season premiered on May 15. The unique approach of The Killer has added another distinguished entry to both his and Fassbender’s diverse resumes, while helping elevate the standing of comic book adaptations in mature, adult-oriented storytelling.
For those eager to experience Michael Fassbender underrated action thriller The Killer on Netflix, the film remains available for streaming. Viewers interested in exploring more of Fassbender’s range can find his latest feature, Black Bag, on Prime Video. With its gripping depiction of a solitary assassin and its avoidance of formulaic action tropes, The Killer is poised to gain new recognition as a must-see hidden gem for crime thriller enthusiasts and fans of character-driven cinema.
