AMC+’s The Assassin Review: A Charming But Hollow Hitwoman Caper

A new action-comedy series has premiered on AMC+. The show is called *The Assassin*.

It stars Keeley Hawes as a retired killer forced back into her old life. Her estranged son, played by Freddie Highmore, gets dragged into the chaos.

Plot and Premise Lack Lasting Impact

The story begins with a strong opening sequence. An assassin moves through a house, eliminating targets with precision.

Then, the narrative jumps forward 31 years. Julie, the former assassin, now lives quietly on a Greek island.

Her peaceful retirement is shattered by a lucrative job offer. She is tasked with killing a philanthropist named Kayla.

Julie fails to complete the hit. This failure triggers a violent chain of events.

She must then reveal her true past to her son, Edward. Together, they go on the run across Europe.

According to Reuters, the series was filmed in beautiful locations across Greece and Albania. The scenery provides a stunning backdrop for the otherwise thin plot.

Strong Cast Carries a Flimsy Script

The show’s greatest strength is its lead actors. Keeley Hawes is convincing and compelling as the lethal Julie.

Freddie Highmore excels as the meek, flustered son. His comic timing provides many of the show’s lighter moments.

However, the supporting characters are poorly developed. Their motivations are unclear and their actions often seem random.

Shalom Brune-Franklin and Gerald Kyd are given very little substantive material. Their characters feel like plot devices rather than real people.

The story becomes increasingly convoluted as the season progresses. Major plot twists feel unearned and lack emotional weight.

By the final episodes, the narrative relies heavily on coincidence. Character decisions frequently defy logic to serve the plot.

The Assassin review ultimately finds a show that starts with promise but fails to deliver a satisfying story. The charming lead performances make it watchable, but the hollow plot leaves little lasting impression.

Thought you’d like to know

Who stars in The Assassin on AMC+?

Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore lead the cast. They play a retired assassin and her estranged son.

What is the main criticism of the show?

The plot becomes weak and confusing in later episodes. Character actions often do not make logical sense.

Where was The Assassin filmed?

Production took place in scenic parts of Greece and Albania. The show also uses establishing shots from France and London.

Is The Assassin a comedy or drama?

It is best described as an action-comedy dramedy. The tone blends light humor with serious assassin thriller elements.

How many episodes are in the first season?

The initial season consists of six episodes. The runtime for each is approximately one hour.