The Killer” (2024) is a remake of John Woo’s iconic 1989 action thriller. Directed by Woo himself, the film follows Zee (played by Nathalie Emmanuel), a highly skilled assassin working in Paris.
Zee becomes entangled in a complex situation after she spares a blind singer, Jenn (Diana Silvers), during one of her assignments. This decision sets off a series of events that force Zee to confront a dangerous conspiracy while teaming up with Sey (Omar Sy), a cop who plays a key role in the unfolding drama.
While the movie stays true to many aspects of the original, such as its action-packed sequences and stylistic elements (like slow motion, doves, and dramatic standoffs), the gender-swapped lead offers a fresh dynamic. However, critics have been mixed in their reception. Some praised the choreography of action scenes, especially the climax in a graveyard, while others felt the film lacked depth and personality compared to the original. Emmanuel’s portrayal of Zee has been critiqued for not having the emotional intensity the role demands, which some believe Lupita Nyong’o (who was originally cast) might have brought to the character. The pacing also faced criticism, with mid-film lulls that detracted from the energy(Wikipedia)(Roger Ebert).