The Killer: Unraveling the Intriguing Plot of David Fincher’s Thrilling Hitman Film

Highlights

David Fincher's upcoming film, The Killer, is a highly anticipated project in his four-year deal with Netflix, following his successful collaborations with the platform.

Based on the eponymous French comic book series, The Killer explores profound philosophical inquiries and depicts the enigmatic existence of an unnamed assassin. Starring the talented Michael Fassbender in the role of the fastidious hitman, this film is scheduled to debut in hand-picked theaters and on streaming platforms on November 10, along with an exclusive showing at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre.

David Fincher, known as one of the leading figures in mid-budget filmmaking, initially kickstarted his career in music videos before making his debut in the world of studio films with 1992's Alien³. After establishing himself, Fincher went on to create his unique style of filmmaking, as evidenced by his impressive follow-up film in 1995, Se7en. Throughout his career, Fincher has remained true to his dark and gritty aesthetic, which will be showcased once again in his upcoming Netflix film, The Killer.

Not only has Fincher excelled in the film industry, but he has also proven to be a valuable asset for the studio/streamer. He has produced and directed three of their most popular shows, including House of Cards, Mindhunter, and Love, Death & Robots. In addition to his television work, Fincher directed the 2020 biographical drama, Mank, a project that had been in development for a long time and was written by his late father Jack. Mank tells the story of Herman J. Mankiewicz as he undertakes the task of writing the screenplay for Citizen Kane.

Continuing his collaboration with Netflix, Fincher's next film, written by his longtime friend Andrew Kevin Walker (the writer of Se7en), stars Michael Fassbender as a nameless hitman. This project is part of Fincher's four-year deal with the streaming platform.

What is The Killer about?

In the spirit of Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Driver in the 2011 film Drive, Fassbender is only known as "The Killer". He is a highly precise hitman who meticulously attends to every aspect of his job, much like Fincher himself. Netflix has kept the details of the plot somewhat ambiguous, sharing only this short description: "Following a fateful near miss, an assassin confronts his employers and battles both them and himself on a global manhunt that he insists is not a personal matter." The movie features Charles Parnell (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1), Kerry O'Malley (known from the Annabelle franchise), Sala Baker (from The Lord of the Rings trilogy), and Tilda Swinton (Asteroid City).

What is the Killer Based On?

The Killer is a graphic novel series called La Tueur in French, created by Matz and Luc Jacamon. It revolves around the life of an anonymous assassin, exploring his missions, reflections on being a hitman, and contemplation of the human condition.

As the series progresses, the Killer becomes deeply involved in international politics and intricately entangled in larger conspiracies. Similar to other French literary works, The Killer tackles profound themes like morality, ethics, and existentialism. Amidst the intense action and violence, the story also delves into the ordinary aspects of the Killer's life, offering a glimpse into his everyday experiences.

When is The Killer Coming Out?

In 2007, when Fincher released his masterpiece Zodiac, he announced that he had acquired the rights to the French comic series and enlisted Alessandro Camon to write the script. Brad Pitt was set to star and produce through his Plan B Entertainment banner. Although Fincher and Pitt had collaborated on previous films such as Se7en, Fight Club, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, they hadn't been able to work together on a project since 2008's Benjamin Button. The Killer, the project they were working on, remained stagnant until 2021 when Fincher signed an exclusive deal with Netflix. This led to the revival of the film with a new lead.

The Killer is set to debut in select theaters this weekend and will be available for streaming on November 10. Additionally, it will mark the reopening of Hollywood's Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, which Netflix acquired from the American Cinematheque in 2020 due to the pandemic-related closure. The revamped theater has been restored to its original state and will serve as the new venue for Netflix's original films, starting with the screening of The Killer on November 9. The event will also include a Q&A session with Fincher.

Fincher and Fassbender For the Win

For those curious about Fassbender's whereabouts since his last appearance in the 2019 film X-Men: Dark Phoenix, the versatile actor has embarked on a new venture as a racecar driver in the European Le Mans Series. It's worth noting that Fassbender had a remarkable career trajectory in the 2010s, starring in an impressive 23 films before taking a break to pursue his long-standing passion for motorsport. Fortunately, Fincher managed to accommodate Fassbender's racing season by adjusting the production schedule, showcasing the goodwill and potential for future collaborations between these two talented individuals.

When it comes to captivating actors and luring them out of potential retirement, few filmmakers can rival Fincher. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Fincher is notorious for shooting an extensive number of takes (sometimes surpassing 100) and meticulously overseeing every aspect of the filmmaking process, from development to distribution. In an interview with the Guardian, Fincher delved into his motivations, expressing:

Fincher shares an anecdote from his film work during the captioning stage, illustrating the "immediacy and subjectivity" that he strives to achieve. He emphasizes the fascination in observing someone skillfully utilize their tools to capture a shot.

Upon noticing the phrase "birds chirping," I had a sudden realization - what if it's "birds chirp"? It's as if you're experiencing it firsthand with the person. The Killer seems to have emerged from a perfect combination of factors, thanks to its perfectionist director who managed to create a thrilling global adventure while considering the racing career of its semi-retired star. Since premiering at the Venice International Film Festival, the film has garnered fantastic reviews, with a score of 76 on Metacritic and an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's a pleasure to see Fassbender back in the spotlight with a well-received film, especially after a series of less successful projects, including Assassin's Creed in 2016 and the aforementioned Dark Phoenix.

In November, Fassbender will star in two films, both directed by Fincher and Taikia Waititi. One of these films is the sports comedy Next Goal Wins, set to release on the 17th. The return of this generation's most underrated actor will be a wonderful holiday gift for his fans.