This Killing Business is an engaging and critical neo-noir film released in 2013. Directed by Federico Muchnik and written by Michael Bowes, the film stars Alexander Cook, Vincent Ernest Siders, and Michala Hansen in the lead roles.

Set against the grim backdrop of a nondescript city, This Killing Business tells the story of an industrial cleaner turned hitman (played by Alexander Cook), who meets his match when he takes on a job that involves killing a prosperous man's mistress. The protagonist, known as Clive, finds himself in a web of deceit, drama, and crime.

Featuring immaculate production design and captivating performances, the film starts with Clive living an ordinary life, staying under the radar while secretly acting as a cold-blooded killer for hire. He is an industrial cleaner by profession and strictly follows a professional code of not allowing personal feelings to interfere with his work. Clive's eventful life takes an ominous turn when he is assigned a new job by Mr. K (played by Vincent Ernest Siders).

Belonging to the city's elite class and with a rare aura of mystery around him, the rich and influential Mr. K hires Clive to kill his mistress. However, things aren't as straightforward as they seem. Clive simultaneously meets a woman who is strangely involved in a lot of coincidences around him. He gets caught in a moral crossfire and starts to wrestle with his fate. This woman, with her tantalizing charm and enigmatic aura, is portrayed by Michala Hansen. Meanwhile, the city's dark underbelly of crime and corruption poses its own set of challenges.

As Clive weaves his way through the labyrinth of pending kills, vendettas, and his growing feelings for the mysterious woman, he struggles to maintain his rule of not mixing business with personal matters. His well-structured life swiftly spirals out of control, leading him into a world of chaos and uncertainty.

The film navigates these problems and situations with a blend of fast-paced action, thrilling suspense, and intense drama. Furthermore, the script skillfully employs dark humour, which ahead, adds to its unique tone and style. Notably, Alexander Cook’s compelling performance as Clive makes the character’s often-frustrating predicaments sympathetic, adding depth to a typically detached persona.

Vincent Ernest Siders as Mr. K delivers a compelling performance that gives the audience reasons to both fear and respect his character. His piercing dialogue delivery and imposing physical presence are part of what makes his performance so memorable. Michala Hansen, with her deeply human portrayal of the unnamed woman, adds another layer of intrigue and ambiguity to the narrative that keeps the viewers hooked.

Aside from the skilled acting, the film's charm lies in its technicalities. The cinematography encompasses a gritty, semi-noirish visual style that accentuates the brutal reality of Clive's occupation. Furthermore, the atmospheric score resonates well with the moody visuals, contributing to the suspense and tension. The well-crafted dialogues cleverly reveal the characters' all-too-human flaws and fears, creating a notable contrast with the brutal, inhuman nature of their activities.

Meanwhile, This Killing Business does not shy away from existential topics, such as what it means to live a good life, what actions justify the means to an end, and creating our destiny. These themes are subtly woven into the film, providing food for thought long after the movie has ended.

In conclusion, This Killing Business is an engaging and thought-provoking noir film that welcomes one to delve into the abyss of crime, corruption, and inner conflict. The powerful performances, combined with superb scriptwriting, intelligent direction, and other key technical elements, make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. It's a film that challenges the conventional template of crime films, presenting viewers with a unique story that thrives on moral ambiguity and character complexities.