The Assassin review: Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore thriller is at its best in smaller moments

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

To get a feel for the style and atmosphere of The Assassin, Prime Video’s latest thriller featuring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, consider watching The Tourist instead as it shares similar characteristics.

In certain aspects, it seems this production could be considered a spiritual successor to that series, and there’s a valid explanation. It shares the same creators, Harry and Jack Williams, who mentioned they developed the idea for The Assassin immediately following the first season of The Tourist.

Both series feature Shalom Brune-Franklin in significant roles, and they share a similar mood – it’s not strictly comedy, yet it’s not gravely serious either. There’s always a touch of unreality about them, yet when things get too absurd, the shows manage to bring you back to reality promptly.

In both series, there’s a wealth of exciting moments and numerous mysteries to unravel. Despite their distinct tones, they share similarities with traditional thrillers in their storytelling methods.

Fortunately, The Tourist turned out to be excellent, so anything that resembles it, like The Assassin, can only be positive. Moreover, it boasts an exceptional, singular aspect that makes the series truly stand out.

The Assassin trails the character of Julie, a retired assassin now residing on a Greek island, who appears to harbor a lingering desire for her past profession. At the same time, Highmore portrays Edward, her distant son, attempting to reconcile while an unexpected turn of events unfolds during their visit.

The consequences from Julie’s past suddenly resurface, forcing her and her partner to flee, embarking on a long voyage that leads them far from the island and into the core of a complex plot.

As a cinema enthusiast, I find myself at a loss for words when it comes to describing “The Assassin.” The plot twists and turns are so rapid, I fear divulging even the slightest detail might tarnish the experience for others. Truly, these twists are not only clever but also genuinely shocking – a rarity in today’s predictable narratives.

To be clear, it’s undeniable that the most captivating aspect of this series lies in the dynamic between Julie and Edward.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d spin it like this: In another tale, Julie might have appeared the picture-perfect, nurturing mom with her secrets neatly tucked away. However, this series takes an intriguing turn by portraying Julie as brusque and detached. Contrasting starkly with her is Edward, a man who exudes quiet politeness, warmth, and kindness. The two could not be more dissimilar.

Throughout every episode, the playful debates between mother and son are skillfully written, incredibly amusing, and a genuine pleasure to observe.

The Williams brothers point out that the dynamic we usually witness is between fathers and sons, not mothers. Seeing Hawes in top form here adds a fresh twist to the familiar aspects of the show’s genre, helping to avoid any sense of over-familiarity with its traditional elements.

It’s likely that Edward’s ‘wounded puppy’ act isn’t always simple to empathize with completely. Highmore skillfully portrays the character with a subtle roughness that goes beyond the stereotypical ‘good cop’ role, making him slightly more suspicious but also more intriguing, sparking our curiosity about his presence.

In this series, it’s those quieter, everyday interactions between the characters – whether they’re talking, debating, or connecting on a deeper level – that make it truly special and groundbreaking.

In addition, the remaining actors deliver impressive performances as well, although certain roles may seem somewhat predictable or typical for this specific film genre.

For example, Alan Dale plays a calculating and merciless businessman, while Gina Gershon portrays a cryptic character who seems to be planted to stir up confusion. Since it’s always unclear what her intentions are or which camp she belongs to, we can never fully trust her.

In the story, Shalom Brune-Franklin and Devon Terrell portray Dale’s offspring who have followed distinct paths in life. While she carries on his intelligence and guile, she seems to possess a more compassionate nature. He, however, is impulsive and careless, struggling with addiction and yearning for his father’s acknowledgement.

The Williams’s have put together all crucial components of this puzzle, just like Jack Davenport and Richard Dormer’s enigmatic characters. It’s evident that everyone is relishing the opportunity to mix comedy with danger, creating a delightful blend of both.

The Assassin additionally gains from being an impressive visual extravaganza. After all, this is partly due to the breathtaking landscapes, since the story unfolds across various nations and settings.

As a passionate cinephile, I find myself captivated by the tale that follows Julie and Edward as they traverse diverse landscapes – from secluded hideaways to the dazzling world of glamour, moving seamlessly from crowded urban jungles to picturesque rural vistas.

Additionally, credit is due to production designer Scott Bird, directors Lisa Mulcahy and Daniel Nettheim. They’ve masterfully directed striking action sequences that are captivating, managing a harmonious balance between orderly and discernible, as well as turbulent and exhilarating.

To put it simply, it’s too early to tell if the plot resolution will be satisfying since only four out of the total six episodes have been released before the show’s premiere. This leaves me, like many viewers, eagerly waiting for the remaining episodes to unravel some of the series’ most intriguing mysteries.

It’s clear that there will be a strong conclusion, according to the Williams brothers. They mentioned that while there might be more appearances of The Assassin in future seasons, it’s not necessary. Similar to most of their series, all major plotlines are resolved within one season.

It seems quite promising that the series will conclude successfully, judging by what I’ve seen so far. To put it simply, I’ve really enjoyed the first four episodes.

This production might remind you of previous works by Williams and lack groundbreaking innovation, yet it offers an engaging dose of action, some intriguing plot twists, and a deeply engaging examination of a central character or relationship. If you’re seeking such elements, you won’t be disappointed.

The film “The Assassin” will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video this coming Friday, July 25th. You have the opportunity to start watching it right away by signing up for a complimentary 30-day trial of Prime Video.

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2025-07-25 03:04