Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer, Jay, is pressured by his partner, Gal, into taking a new assignment. As they descend into the dark and disturbing world of the contract, Jay begins to unravel once again - his fear and paranoia sending him deep into the heart of darkness.
Authentic dialogue, pitch-perfect performances and seductively scuzzy images comprise a film funny and bleak, tender and cruel, serious and 'out-there'. British horror has rarely hit these heights since the mid-'70s.
Wheatley cycles through the genres as the killing spree begins, but the ambiguity that is initially its strength becomes a weakness by the end.
A dark, funny, disturbing picture — not for the squeamish, though it’s as given to subtle creepiness as outright horrors. With this, Wheatley elevates himself from kill list to A list. Right now, he’s among the most promising filmmakers in Britain.
Effective, rather than impressive.
You might have quibbles with a distorted final act, but Wheatley’s filmic puzzle will reward repeat viewings.
Though utterly riveting, if savage, for long periods, the baffling decision to turn it into a crazed horror in the latter stages robs it of all tension, and the questions raised rather than answered render the whole thing pointless.
As far as British horror goes right now, Kill List is pretty much top of the range.
Kill List's ghoulish suggestiveness makes it a keeper.
Ultimately fails to convince or provide a satisfactory climax.
You will be asking yourself questions about Kill List once it's over, pondering its layers of meaning and its trail of clues. Of how many other recent British films could one say the same?
Not on a par with Schindler's.
Perhaps inevitably that finale, and its descent into full-blown horror, will be the source of much post-movie discussion. Yet it's the film as a whole that makes Kill List – and Wheatley – worth talking about.
This is one smart movie from someone with a singular voice who knows their craft.
You'll emerge from Kill List either asking, "What the hell was that?"; or dazzled by its intensity; or needing a stiff drink. Or any combination of the above. One way or another, expect Kill List to trouble you – in the way only the everyday can, when certain films contrive to rip its surface away.
An edgy, mysterious thriller.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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