A professional assassin (Michael Fassbender) narrates his strict professional and nihilistic life philosophies as he meticulously stakes out a Parisian hotel room and methodically prepares for a hit. Passing the time, the cold, calculating and minimalist Killer practices yoga, eats, listens to The Smiths to lower his heart rate, and talks to his handler. Soon, however, the Killer botches the job, and races to reunite with his girlfriend in waiting.

Based on a French graphic novel, directed by the meticulous David Fincher (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and starring the cold, intelligent and emotionless Fassbender, the movie is a stylish retread of classic assassin movie tropes. Again, an assassin has a crisis of morality, which proves fatal in their line of work. No longer fit for the game, the assassin must fight his former employers and colleagues who are representative of all their sins remembered, in the hope of enjoying a peaceful retirement.  

Apart from the Killer’s penchant for an ‘80s band, there is very little to his disciplined character. It is surprising then to learn that such a person, who eschews religious or political allegiances that may sway from his dedication to his job, would hold such an obvious vulnerability in the form of a significant other. While the workman-like approach to dismantling his predicament is intriguing and satisfying, barring some Nietzsche-like musings about the point of it all, there is little to add to this well-trodden genre.

Verdict: A faultless production of a well-worn story. Fans of the genre, and Fincher, may get more out of it. 3 stars.

• Luke McWilliams, themovieclub.net.