The Killer (2023) is a neo-noir psychological action thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Fassbender as a meticulous and cold-blooded assassin. The film, based on the French graphic novel series by Alexis “Matz” Nolent and illustrated by Luc Jacamon, follows a lone hitman whose life spirals out of control after a botched job forces him to go on the run.

The story begins with the unnamed assassin executing his missions with precision and detachment, following a strict personal code that keeps him efficient and untraceable. However, during a high-profile assassination in Paris, he makes a rare mistake, missing his target. This single error sets off a chain reaction, leading to the powerful people who hired him turning against him. As he evades capture, he returns to his safe house only to discover that his employer has retaliated by attacking his loved ones, forcing him into a ruthless quest for vengeance.

As the hitman travels across multiple countries, eliminating those who betrayed him, the film delves deep into his psyche, portraying his internal struggle between professional detachment and personal revenge. His methodical approach, narrated in a cold, philosophical monologue, contrasts with the increasingly chaotic and violent path he treads. The story explores themes of isolation, morality, and the futility of trying to maintain control in an unpredictable world.

With Fincher’s signature precision in storytelling, The Killer combines intense action, stylish cinematography, and an eerie, pulsating soundtrack to create a gripping and atmospheric experience. Fassbender delivers a chilling performance, portraying the assassin as both a disciplined predator and a man slowly unraveling. The film’s slow-burn tension, calculated violence, and psychological depth make it a haunting and thought-provoking thriller, staying true to Fincher’s dark and methodical storytelling style.