Review of Kill List (2011) by Randall M — 21 Apr 2012

Jay (Neil Maskell) and Gal (Michael Smiley) are former soldiers who have become hitmen since leaving the military. While Gal is laid back, Jay is still suffering from an unspecified disastrous mission in Kiev and, despite the urging of his wife Shel (MyAnna Buring), he hasn't worked since and they are running out of cash. Shel organises a dinner party to which she invites Gal and his latest girlfriend and during the evening Gal reveals he has a new job for them, which Shel encourages him to take. Jay's disturbed past surfaces as he spins out of control during the mission and soon enough Jay and Gal are the hunted...

I have red raving reviews on this psychological thriller and when Total Film rewards it with 5 out of 5 one do expect to see something extraordinary. "Kill List" has been shot in a classic "in your face" way, giving it an arthouse-realist feel. Solid acting is the result, particularly from Neil Maskell. And as well some strong violent scenes. Is it disturbing? Is it scary? Is it extraordinary? For me "Kill List" was more or less a disappointment. A flirt with "The Wicker Man" and "The Blair Witch Project", but hardly reaching their heights. If this is seen as the best horror/thriller coming out of England the past years, I would say I am disturbed by that opinion. "Kill List" is not extraordinary in my book. 5 out of 5? No, more 3 out of 5. No more, no less.