John Woo's 1989 blockbuster, "The Killer", defined an era and inspired a sea of imitators. It came across as a refreshing take on the genre and created a lasting impression on the viewer's minds, especially for those old enough to have watched it on VHS. However, the anticipation for a remake turned bitter when Woo himself released the 2024 version of "The Killer". Despite the successful execution of thrilling action sequences by the dexterous director, the film leaves no improved impression than its predecessor. The narrative, although slightly altered with a gender swap, feels mundane and a lack of depth is seen in the characterization.
Nathalie Emmanuel stars as Zee, portraying an assassin hired by a cunning man named Finn, played by Sam Worthington. The plotline intensifies when Zee, on her assignment of assassinating a singer Jenn, played by Diana Silvers, ends up blinding her. The plot jointly focuses on Zee and a Parisian police personnel named Sey played by Omar Sy, encountering over a case, adding an additional dynamic to the story. While the storyline of the original remains unchanged, the gender shift adds a unique twirl but fails to add novelty, making the film bland with no seasoning.
The film appears to be a product of rushed screenwriting where merely the character swaps were deemed sufficient to generate interest. The narrative lacks energy, and the additional elements like Zee's origin story appear haphazardly pieced together.
Emmanuel's performance lacks charm and fails to instill life into her character Zee. Sy's portrayal of Sey shows promise, but Silvers' character lacks vitality, rendered as a mere tool in the plot. The film highlights some commendable stunt sequences but suffers from poor pacing. The prolonged, dry banter in the mid-film hampers the cinematic experience, making it easy for viewers to lose interest.
A crucial issue surrounding the film is the inaccessibility of the original "The Killer" on streaming platforms while the remake stands as the only readily available version. The remake stands not just a remake, but a replacement to the cherished original classic that disappoints the viewers.
