Review of Kill List (2011) by Gareth R — 25 Jul 2012

The first few minutes of Kill List had me worried I was about to endure another one of what seems to have been an epidemic of low rent, 'guns n' geezers' efforts that have furnished the career of Danny Dyer and the like.

I'm happy to say these concerns were quickly quelled as I found myself curiously drawn deeper into the world of these scary characters and their violent, unstable lives. Kill List is the simple tale of a hitman, Jay (Neil Maskell) who after a recent botched job, and despite his own doubts is coaxed by his pal Gal (Michael Smiley) into taking on a new assignment.

There's an almost tangible intensity throughout, similar to that felt when watching the 'funny how?' scene in Martin Scorcese's 'Goodfellas'. The threat of violence hangs ever present to the point that it feels claustrophobic.

Not only is the threat and intensity level turned up to number eleven, the explosions of violence themselves take you up to the edge and over in a way that will possibly make the film unbearable for many.

Standing out in the acting stakes is Irish thesp Michael Smiley as Gal. Smiley is quite literally the smiling assassin. His friendly banter and warmth bring much needed light touches to what is an otherwise a bleak and chilling hour and a half.

As with Down Terrace before, writer/director Ben Wheatley has once again proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in British cinema. Overall, Kill List is another winner for Wheatley. Yes it's violence will push buttons and yes it's full of evil and brimming malice, but it succeeds as it sets out to.

Bad things happen to bad people. 4/5.