🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sam Levinson
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Action, Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 48min
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10 (94k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A town’s secrets get leaked, and suddenly everyone’s playing real-life Grand Theft Auto but with way more problematic takes on social issues.
🍿 Assassination Nation: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Salem Under Siege: A Data Hack’s Devastation
The film plunges viewers into Salem, a town mirroring modern America, grappling with social media obsession and hidden secrets. When a massive data hack exposes everyone’s private information, the community erupts into violent anarchy, revealing the darkness beneath the surface.

The Four Accused: Lily and Her Friends Fight Back
Lily and her close-knit group of friends find themselves wrongly accused of the hack, making them targets of the town’s wrath. As violence escalates, they are forced to fight for survival against a mob fueled by paranoia and rage. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the increasingly dangerous landscape.

Survival and Sisterhood Amidst the Chaos
Facing relentless attacks, Lily and her friends arm themselves and band together to protect each other. They confront not only the external threats but also their own internal struggles and past traumas. The film portrays their resilience and determination to reclaim their lives in the face of overwhelming adversity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lily (Odessa Young): A high school senior caught in the chaos of a data hack, who must fight to survive when targeted by the town.
- Bex (Hari Nef): One of Lily’s best friends, who faces transphobia and violence after the town’s secrets are exposed.
- Em (Abra): A close friend of Lily’s, who relies on her resourcefulness to survive the escalating violence.
- Sarah (Suki Waterhouse): Part of Lily’s core friend group, grappling with the town’s descent into madness.
- Nick Mathers (Joel McHale): Lily’s neighbor whose exposed secrets and predatory behavior makes him a dangerous antagonist.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lily: “Smile, open up, cross your legs, spread your pussy, speak softer, scream louder, be quiet, be confident, be interesting, don’t be so difficult, be strong, don’t fight back, be an angel, be a whore, be a princess, be anything you want to be, even the president of the United States of America. Just kidding. Fuck you.” – This monologue encapsulates the conflicting expectations placed on young women in contemporary society.
- Donny: “For the lulz.” – The shocking reveal of the hacker’s motive as apathetic online amusement.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,005,142
- Worldwide Gross: $2,584,988
💥 Assassination Nation Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie expecting something totally wild, and it delivered! The whole vibe is like if ‘Heathers’ and ‘The Purge’ had a baby, but that baby was raised on the internet. I loved the soundtrack and the visual style—it’s so extra. The scene where Lily fights back in Nick’s house was amazing. It was so intense and made me jump in my seat. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into dark, edgy stuff, you should totally check it out.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of violent thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary”
- “People who enjoy films with strong female leads”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While undeniably stylish and possessing a pulse-pounding energy, ‘Assassination Nation’ struggles to balance its provocative themes with genuine substance, ultimately leaving viewers with a visually arresting but narratively muddled experience.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Levinson’s film dives headfirst into a sea of hot-button topics, resulting in a frenzied, chaotic narrative that’s both thrilling and exhausting. It’s a bold swing, but whether it connects is up for debate.
- IndieWire: “A wickedly stylish and hyper-violent take on modern social anxieties, ‘Assassination Nation’ is a sensory overload that doesn’t shy away from its provocative themes, even if its execution is occasionally uneven. The all girl cast is phenomenal.
Audience Reactions
The film’s unapologetic and raw portrayal of teen life resonated deeply with younger viewers.: Many praised the film’s unique style and soundtrack, calling it a visually stunning and sonically captivating experience.
Some found the film’s social commentary heavy-handed, but appreciated the effort to address complex issues.: Viewers admired the strong female leads and their fierce determination to fight back against a chaotic and misogynistic society.
Overall Consensus: A divisive film that garners praise for its bold style and themes but also criticism for its chaotic narrative and heavy-handedness.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is described as a ‘modern take on the Salem witch trials,’ which is reflected in its setting and themes of public shaming and mob mentality.”
- “Director Sam Levinson is the son of acclaimed director Barry Levinson.”
- “The film’s aesthetic draws influence from music videos, incorporating split-screens and driving dance beats to create a sense of youthful energy.”
🖥️ How to Watch Assassination Nation?
Assassination Nation is available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for broadcast options. Physical copies are also available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Assassination Nation, you might like these similar films:
- The Purge (2013): Both films explore the dark side of human nature when societal rules are suspended, leading to violence and chaos.
- Heathers (1988): Shares a dark, satirical tone and focuses on the dynamics of a group of high school girls navigating social hierarchies and moral ambiguities.
- Spring Breakers (2012): Features a stylized, hyper-violent depiction of young women engaging in transgressive behavior and confronting societal norms.
- Jennifer’s Body (2009): Explores themes of female rage and societal expectations through a horror lens, with a focus on the power dynamics between young women and men.
🛒 Assassination Nation Related Products
- Assassination Nation [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of this bold and controversial film, perfect for collectors and fans of edgy cinema.
- Assassination Nation – Official Movie Poster: Showcase your love for the film with a high-quality print of the iconic poster.
- The Purge [Blu-ray]: Get in the mood for an assassination themed purge with The Purge [Blu-ray]
- Heathers (30th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]: Get in the mood with Heathers (30th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray].
🎧 Soundtrack
Assassination Nation features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Violenza Inattesa” – performed by Ennio Morricone
- “Bubblegum” – performed by Brooke Candy ft. Charli XCX & Pernille Rose
- “Sucker” – performed by Charli XCX
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Assassination Nation is a violent thriller that explores themes of social media, misogyny, and mob mentality in a small town after a data hack exposes everyone’s secrets.
No, Assassination Nation is not based on a true story. It is a fictional narrative that draws inspiration from contemporary social issues and historical events like the Salem witch trials.
Assassination Nation is available for streaming on Hulu and can be rented or purchased on various platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV.
🔥 Bonus Content
Assassination Nation Cast on What Scares Them About Social Media
Ever wonder what the cast of ‘Assassination Nation’ *really* thinks about social media? They get super real about their fears and thoughts – it’s actually pretty insightful and makes you think!
Assassination Nation reviewed by Mark Kermode
Want to know if ‘Assassination Nation’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode’s review is spot-on! He breaks down what works and what doesn’t, and honestly, it’s a really balanced take.
Assassination Nation’s Cast Reveals The Hardest Scenes To Film | SDCC 2018 | Entertainment Weekly
Curious about the struggles of filming ‘Assassination Nation’? The cast spills the beans on the most challenging scenes, and you won’t believe what they went through. Prepare for a behind-the-scenes peek that will blow your mind!
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