Movies - The Killer: John Woo and Marco Beltrami Reunite for Explosive Action Thriller

By Mulder, 23 august 2024

The highly anticipated action thriller The Killer, directed by the legendary John Woo, has been released today exclusively on Peacock. This film marks the latest collaboration between Woo and acclaimed composer Marco Beltrami, who previously worked together on the 2023 action film Silent Night. Their reunion promises to deliver the same high-octane energy and emotional depth that fans of both artists have come to expect.

The Killer is an English-language remake of Woo’s 1989 Hong Kong classic of the same name. The film stars Nathalie Emmanuel, known for her roles in The Fast Saga and Game of Thrones, as Zee, a mysterious and infamous assassin feared throughout the Parisian underworld. Alongside Emmanuel, the film features a stellar cast including Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Saïd Taghmaoui, and Hugo Diego Garcia, each bringing their unique talents to this thrilling narrative.

The plot of The Killer follows the story of a hitman who, during the execution of his final contract, accidentally blinds a young nightclub singer. Haunted by his actions and determined to make amends, the hitman agrees to take on one last job to raise the money needed for her eye surgery. This intense storyline is elevated by John Woo’s signature direction, blending masterful action sequences with compelling character development.

Marco Beltrami’s contribution to The Killer is particularly noteworthy. The composer, a two-time Oscar nominee, has crafted a light, thematic orchestral score that perfectly complements the film’s kinetic energy and emotional undertones. Beltrami’s work on this film stands in contrast to his previous score for Silent Night, which featured a darker, more hybrid composition. This versatility showcases Beltrami’s ability to adapt his musical style to suit the tone of each film he works on.

In addition to the film’s score, The Killer features an original song titled “Retrouvable,” co-written by Marco Beltrami and lyricist Giampiero Ambrosi. The song, performed by French-Canadian singer Jorane, adds an additional layer of emotion to the film, underscoring the internal struggle of the characters. Fans can listen to both the score and the song on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Marco Beltrami’s illustrious career has seen him collaborate with some of the most iconic directors in the film industry, including Kathryn Bigelow, James Mangold, and Guillermo Del Toro. His filmography includes an impressive array of scores for critically acclaimed films such as The Hurt Locker, A Quiet Place, Logan, and Ford v Ferrari. Beltrami has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Score for 3:10 to Yuma and The Hurt Locker. He also won an Emmy for his work on National Geographic’s Free Solo and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his score in A Quiet Place.

The journey of The Killer from its original 1989 release to today’s remake has been long and eventful. The film has undergone several iterations, with different directors and actors attached at various points. John Woo’s return to this project, however, ensures that the essence of the original film remains intact while introducing the story to a new generation of audiences. Woo’s decision to cast Nathalie Emmanuel as the lead character, along with the involvement of Omar Sy and other talented actors, reflects a modern and diverse approach to storytelling that resonates with contemporary viewers.

John Woo, who is known for his unparalleled ability to blend action with deep emotional narratives, brings his unique vision to The Killer, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. His collaboration with Marco Beltrami, whose music has consistently enhanced the films he works on, further elevates the film to new heights.

The Killer is now available to stream on Peacock in the United States, with an international release set for later this year. As audiences around the world prepare to experience this thrilling film, the combination of John Woo’s direction, Marco Beltrami’s music, and Nathalie Emmanuel’s performance promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Synopsis : 
During the execution of his last contract, a hitman causes the blindness of a young singer. To raise the money needed for her operation, he accepts a new contract.

The Killer
Directed by John Woo
Written by Brian Helgeland, Josh Campbell, Matt Stuecken
Based on The Killer by John Woo
Produced by Charles Roven, Alex Gartner, John Woo,; Lori Tilkin deFelice
Starring  Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Saïd Taghmaoui, Hugo Diego Garcia
Cinematography : Mauro Fiore
Edited by Zach Staenberg
Music by Marco Beltrami
Production companies : Universal Pictures, A Better Tomorrow Films, Atlas Entertainment
Distributed by Peacock (United States), Universal Pictures International France (France)
Release date : August 23, 2024 (United States), October 23 2024 (France)
Running time : 126 minutes