The Killer

An elite assassin finds himself in the crosshairs in David Fincher's grisly but highly satisfying thriller. Michael Fassbender plays the unnamed killer, who goes by multiple aliases and listens to the Smiths to get in the zone. He prides himself on his professionalism, until he misses his intended target during a job in Paris. When he returns to his hideout, he realises that his client is looking to clean up loose ends. As he puts it, in the incessant voiceover, the choice is simple: "Kill or be killed." The film is based on the graphic novel by Alexis Nolent (aka "Matz") and Luc Jacamon, and the characterisations do feel sketchily drawn. However, Fincher's film-making élan, combined with Fassbender's magnetic presence, make it impossible to tear your eyes from the screen. Stylishly made and heart-pumpingly violent - particularly one bone-shattering fight - this is peak pulp Fincher.