David Fincher's The Killer, starring Michael Fassbender, set to debut on Netflix after 20-year wait
A film that's been marinating in the limbo of development for nearly two decades, David Fincher’s The Killer is finally ready to grace our screens later this year, and it's looking like a neo-noir delicacy with just the right amount of edge.
The cinematic maestro who's been teasing our nerves with psychological brilliance for three decades with the likes of Zodiac, Se7en, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Mindhunter, is back in the director's chair with the Netflix original.
Michael Fassbender, the man who can emote with just a single furrow of his brow, stars as the titular assassin. He looks like the kind of killer who's methodical enough to alphabetize his cereal boxes. But it seems his mental filing cabinet might be getting a tad disorganized.
Have a look at the first trailer:
The narrative revolves around a solitary assassin who lurks in the shadows, meticulously planning his every move while waiting for the next target to cross his path. However, as time passes, his ironclad grip on reality seems to loosen, and doubts begin to seep into his mind, hinting at hidden tension between his exceptional marksmanship skills and his growing apprehension about maintaining his professional code.
Starring Fassbender and Charles Parnell, The Killer delves into the enigmatic life of an assassin whose cold and calculating demeanor conceals a mind on the verge of unraveling. Based on the French graphic novel series by Alexis Nolent and adapted by Andrew Kevin Walker, the screenwriter behind Fincher's iconic Fight Club, the film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Tilda Swinton, Arliss Howard, and Sophie Charlotte.
Fincher had reportedly been interested in the project since 2007, with Brad Pitt set to star at one point as well.
The psychological thriller marks a reunion between Fincher and screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker. Their creative partnership has yielded some of the most memorable cinematic moments in the genre, and their reunion raises expectations for yet another thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Erik Messerschmidt, known for his Oscar-winning work on Fincher's Mank, as well as their collaboration on Netflix’s beloved Mindhunter, returns as the cinematographer, ensuring a visually captivating experience that complements the film's suspenseful narrative.
The Killer (2023) dir. David Fincher pic.twitter.com/UwjWmpTOcE
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) August 29, 2023
The film's production team includes industry stalwarts such as Ceán Chaffin and William Doyle, with long-time collaborators and the two-time Oscar-winning duo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, lending their musical genius to the score, building on their remarkable track record of creating evocative soundscapes for Fincher's films.
Set to premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival before gracing Netflix, The Killer promises a buffet of cinematic treats. Fincher, the captain of dark and intricate storytelling, is steering the ship, and we're all aboard, despite the occasional iceberg of anxiety.
The Killer hits Netflix on November 10.