Kill List

Kill List is a dark and suspense-filled psychological horror thriller. It was directed by Ben Wheatley and produced in the United Kingdom in 2011, featuring an impressive cast that includes Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring, and Harry Simpson. The film skillfully combines elements of drama, crime, and horror to leave a lasting impression on any viewer.

Neil Maskell portrays Jay, an ex-soldier turned contract killer who is struggling to support his wife Shel, played by MyAnna Buring and their son Sam, played by Harry Simpson. Jay is recovering from a botched job in Kiev a year prior and the trauma from the event has left him spiraling into depression, anger, and financial ruin. His wife Shel, is a Swedish national and former soldier herself. In her role, MyAnna Buring delivers a committed performance of a woman torn between concern for her husband and the pragmatic needs of their family. Meanwhile, young Harry Simpson’s portrayal of their son Sam adds depth and increases the emotional stakes for the family’s survival.

Jay's best friend, Gal, played by Michael Smiley, brings an offer for a lucrative three-hit contract given by a mysterious client, which Jay reluctantly accepts due to his dire financial situation. Thus begins a journey punctuated by a series of unexpected turns and alarming discoveries. The Kill List implies a progression not only of targets but a descent into a darker world than Jay could have anticipated.

The film is a prime example of an effective thriller movie. The script, co-written by Wheatley and Amy Jump, takes the simple premise of a hitman reluctantly returning to work and turns it into a complex narrative that abandishly defies genre expectations. It progresses from a domestic drama into a crime thriller, before finally transgressing into a folk horror that is unbelievably haunting and chilling.

Kill List crafts an uncomfortable ambiance right from the outset, building tension through scenes of domestic strife before moving into more conventionally sinister territory as the plot develops. The extensive use of handheld camera work intensifies the aura of disorientation and keeps the audience on the edge till the very end.

Joining the stunning performances is a multifaceted score. The eerie background music by Jim Williams further elevates the suspense and adds both to the character's tension and the overall atmosphere of impending doom.

The film notably includes scenes of intense violence that may unsettle some viewers. Wheatley doesn't shy away from portraying brutality on-screen. The thought-provoking, albeit, explicit scenes of violence force viewers to confront the ghastliness of Jay's work and the profound effect it has on his psyche.

What sets Kill List apart is its remarkable blend of genres. It begins with the essence of a family drama, subtly shifting into a crime story, before ultimately plunging into the depths of horror. The abrupt transitions between genres keep the audience intrigued, thirsty for more, and add to its overall chilling effect. Its final act merges the line of reality and disbelief, leading to a terrifying and unforgettable climax.

In total, Kill List is emotionally powerful, daring, and intense. It isn't the typical 'shoot-em-up' thriller nor is it your standard horror flick. It's a harrowing journey that questions morality, tests relationships, and plunges into the darkest corners of human nature. Packed within its relatively short runtime of ninety-five minutes, are impactful performances, original storytelling, and masterful direction.

Kill List from 2011 is a distinctive blend of mystery, drama, crime, and horror that demonstrates Ben Wheatley’s command over these genres. It is a cinematic experience that will linger in your thoughts, urging you to revisit its cryptic plot and its deep and complex character portrayals. Even though it may not appeal to everyone's taste due to its intense content, it certainly has a unique spot in the realm of psychological thrillers.