Complete A-Z list


Kill List

2/10

Stars: Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley, MyAnna Buring, Struan Rodger, Emma Fryer

Director: Ben Wheatley

A slow-moving domestic drama that evolves into the story of two hit-men that in turn morphs into a horror film in Wicker Man vein. One of the men, Jay (Maskell) is full of barely suppressed rage that frequently comes out in shouting matches with his wife (Buring), who's aware of his unusual occupation.

'You're in serious danger of turning into a miserable cow, Shel,' he yells, in one of the film's few audible lines, most of the dialogue coming in burr-like mutters.

It's all so far over the top that laughter is barely kept at bay, especially as Maskell is a dead ringer for deadpan comedian jack Dee. He and his partner Gal (Smiley) gun down at least 20 out of 25 satanists in the climactic battle, yet there still seem to be just as many at the end. The enervating, low-budget feature bears a 2011 copyright, although the price of petrol (117.9) indicates it may have been shot a bit earlier!

David Quinlan

UK 2011. UK Distributor: Optimum. Colour (unspecified).
95 minutes. Widescreen. UK certificate: 18.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 3, Drugs 0, Swearing 3.

Review date: 29 Aug 2011