Hitmen Horrors

Kill List is a difficult movie to categorize. Beginning like a British ‘kitchen sink’ drama (a type of entertainment that became popular in the late 1950’s early 60’s which mainly dealt with social economic issues) it’s second act turns into a crime film with it’s two protagonists charged with their mission, the titular Kill List. Becoming a brutal Hitman flick with seriously sinister undertones it isn’t until the third and final act that the horrors are truly revealed. 

Written and directed by Ben Wheatley along with his wife Amy Jump, who is credited as its writer. Kill List follows the story of two ex soldiers… Down on his luck, Jay, played by the ferocious Neil Maskell and Gal, his army buddy. Jay is in need of money and Gal shows up with his new girlfriend Fiona (Emma Fryer)  to offer Jay a one time gig for a good payment. Reluctant at first and haunted by a botched mission in Kyiv that is never elaborated on, Jay eventually is persuaded by his wife Shel (MyAnna Burning)  to take on the job. So our Hitmen’s adventure/descent into terror begins.

 It seems Wheatley wanted to create a very believable and therefore engrossing slow burn movie. Stating that the more relatable horror is seeing your parents yell at each-other. Jay and Shel have a young son; Sam (Harry Simpson) who witnesses his fathers explosive outburst, in one scene that is admittedly tough to watch. The performers, were given the script but encouraged to improvise around it and the scenes often feel believable and raw. The characters are nuanced with unknown histories giving them unpredictable natures. The mysterious Fiona steals a tissue with blood from Jay’s bathroom after marking a pagan looking symbol on his mirror. The threatening Client (Sturan Rodger) who provides the soldiers turned hitmen their list of three targets and seals the deal with blood. Then the targets themselves, each more dark than the last. Once the mission begins the targets become chapters. The Priest, The Librarian and The MP. Like the very best horror it’s what you don’t see and the things that are left up to your imagination that truly make Kill List an under appreciated film. On a budget of five hundred thousand pounds it barely made that in box office return. The film has steadily picked up a following with cinephiles tending to appreciate the style and pace of this very unsettling little gem.

The final act offers again another genre twist, the less said about the better. Devastating, cruel, brutal and with some wonderful performances from its hardworking cast. Kill List (2011) should  make it onto YOUR list if you haven’t yet seen.