Kill List Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Hitman dad has anger issues, takes a new job, and accidentally joins a murder cult because apparently, that’s a thing in suburban England.

🍿 Kill List: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Strained Home Life

Jay, an ex-soldier turned hitman, is struggling to adjust to civilian life after a disastrous job in Kiev. He’s haunted by the past and unable to find work, leading to constant arguments with his wife, Shel, and financial strain on their family. Their young son, Sam, witnesses the tension, adding to the overall sense of unease.

A New Assignment

Jay’s old army buddy and partner, Gal, convinces him to take on a new assignment with the promise of a large payout. The job involves assassinating three individuals on a list provided by a mysterious client. The initial meeting is unsettling, with the contract sealed in blood, hinting at the darkness to come.

The Kill List

As Jay and Gal begin their work, the killings become increasingly disturbing. Their first target, a priest, thanks them as he’s executed, adding a strange element to the assignment. The second target, a librarian, is revealed to be involved in child pornography, triggering Jay’s rage and leading to a brutal and graphic murder. The nature of their targets and their reactions suggest something more sinister than a simple hit job.

Paranoia and Unraveling

Jay’s mental state deteriorates as he becomes increasingly paranoid and violent. An infected wound on his hand symbolizes his growing inner turmoil. He visits a doctor who offers cryptic advice rather than medical treatment, further adding to the surreal and unsettling atmosphere. Strange symbols and unsettling events hint at a hidden conspiracy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jay (Neil Maskell): A troubled ex-soldier and hitman, haunted by a past job, who becomes increasingly violent and paranoid as he takes on a new assignment.
• Gal (Michael Smiley): Jay’s best friend and fellow hitman, who tries to keep him grounded as they delve deeper into a dangerous contract.
• Shel (MyAnna Buring): Jay’s wife, who is frustrated with their financial struggles and worried about his mental state, leading to frequent arguments.
• The Client (Struan Rodger): The mysterious and sinister figure who hires Jay and Gal, setting them on a path towards darkness and ritualistic horror.
• Fiona (Emma Fryer): Gal’s girlfriend, who harbors secrets and appears to be connected to the occult forces manipulating Jay.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jay: “You’re giving me indigestion.” – Jay says this to Justin during a tense encounter, highlighting his volatile and sarcastic nature.
• Justin: “Sometimes God’s love can be hard to swallow.” – Justin’s reply to Jay, adding a layer of dark humor and foreshadowing the film’s themes.
• Jay: “Apology accepted.” – Jay’s abrupt response shows his impatience and lack of social grace.
• The Priest: “Thank you.” – The Priest’s unsettling words just before being killed create an unnerving atmosphere of acceptance.
• The Librarian: “Thank you, thank you.” – The Librarian repeats ‘Thank you’ as Jay repeatedly slams a hammer into his head, adding a layer of disturbing acceptance and ritualistic horror.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £500,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,063
• Worldwide Gross: $452,155

💥 Kill List Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Kill List’ messed with my head! I went in expecting a standard hitman movie, but it turned into something else entirely. The dinner party scene was so awkward and realistic, it immediately hooked me. The violence was brutal and shocking, especially that hammer scene. The ending left me confused, but in a good way – I’ve been thinking about it for days, trying to piece it all together. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate genre-bending films”
  • “Those interested in folk horror”
  • “People who enjoy dark and unsettling stories”
  • “Viewers who like films that leave them thinking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Occult references”
  • “Animal harm”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Kill List blends crime drama with folk horror, creating a genuinely unsettling experience. The film’s strength lies in its ability to build tension through realism before descending into madness. While the ending may divide audiences, it’s a bold conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll. The performances are captivating, especially Neil Maskell’s portrayal of a man grappling with his inner demons.
• The Guardian: “Ben Wheatley’s Kill List is a disturbing and unforgettable film that defies easy categorization. It starts as a gritty crime drama and slowly morphs into a nightmarish horror story, keeping viewers on edge throughout. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and brutal violence are not for the faint of heart, but those who appreciate daring and original cinema will be rewarded.
• Slant Magazine: “Kill List is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of dread. The film successfully combines realism with the supernatural, delivering a unique and disturbing cinematic experience. While the plot may be confusing at times, the film’s unsettling imagery and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of horror and crime dramas.

Audience Reactions

The realistic dialogue and character interactions made the film feel incredibly authentic.: The blend of crime drama and horror elements created a unique and unsettling viewing experience.

The film’s ambiguous ending sparked intense discussions and debates among viewers.: The lead actors delivered outstanding performances, especially Neil Maskell as the troubled hitman.

Overall Consensus: Kill List is a divisive but highly acclaimed film that blends crime drama and folk horror, offering a disturbing and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s ambiguous ending and brutal violence may not appeal to all viewers, but its strong performances and unsettling atmosphere have earned it a cult following.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “MyAnna Buring, who plays Shel, improvised her phone call in Swedish; the filmmakers only found out what she said much later.”
• “The film’s blend of crime thriller and folk horror divides opinions, leading to strong reactions from viewers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kill List?

Currently, “Kill List” is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kill List, you might like these similar films:

• The Wicker Man (1973): Shares themes of folk horror, ritualistic practices, and a protagonist drawn into a nightmarish situation.
• A Field in England (2013): Another Ben Wheatley film that explores dark, unsettling themes within a historical setting, pushing the boundaries of genre.
• Martyrs (2008): Presents extreme violence and psychological horror, exploring dark themes of suffering and transformation, similarly testing audience limits.
• Dog Soldiers (2002): British horror with soldiers facing unknown threat

🛒 Kill List Related Products

• The Wicker Man (1973) [Blu-ray]: A classic of British folk horror, sharing themes of paganism and ritualistic practices with Kill List, this Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality.
• Kill List Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original Kill List movie poster, perfect for fans of the film.
• Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros Years: Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros Years
• Ben Wheatley Director’s Collection (Down Terrace, Sightseers, Kill List, A Field in England): Four of Ben Wheatley’s most acclaimed films, including Kill List, offering a comprehensive look at his unique filmmaking style.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kill List features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “It Could Have Been Better” – performed by Joan Armatrading and Pam Nestor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Weirdest Thriller You’ve Never Seen

Ever feel like you’ve seen it all? Ryan Hollinger calls Kill List the ‘Weirdest Thriller You’ve Never Seen’, and after watching his breakdown, I totally get it. Get ready for a wild ride!

Mark Kempner actor LIBRARIAN SCENE from the movie KILL LIST

Want a taste of Kill List’s unsettling atmosphere? Check out Mark Kempner’s ‘Librarian’ scene. It’s a small part, but totally nails the film’s creepy vibe; this scene is one of the best parts of the movie, I think.

Mark Kermode – Kill List

Curious what the critics thought? Mark Kermode’s take on Kill List is worth a listen. He’s a pro, and always has something interesting to say about movies, regardless if they are good or bad.

✨ Rate