John Woo's remake of 'The Killer', originally released in 1989, has found new life on Netflix nearly topping the UK charts despite mixed reviews. The film, which debuted on Peacock in 2024, currently sits just behind the shark thriller 'Thrash' in the streamer's rankings.
The action film follows Zee, a contract killer played by Nathalie Emmanuel, who is hunted by former employers and police after a hit goes wrong. The incident leaves singer Jenn Clark (Diana Silvers) blind, and Zee refuses to kill her due to the injury. The synopsis describes it as a story of a disillusioned assassin taking one final job to help the musician regain her sight.
Despite poor critical reception, the film earned nominations for its score, set design, and stunt work, though it won no awards. Viewer reactions have been polarised, with some calling it a 'disappointment' and criticising the dialogue, plot incoherences, and two-dimensional characters. Others praised the action sequences and practical stunts, with one fan urging viewers to 'ignore the other reviews' and highlighting the chemistry between leads.
The Guardian's Jesse Hassenger gave it three stars, noting it presents 'the optional but delightful spectacle of watching John Woo have fun again'. The cast includes Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, and Eric Cantona, among others.
