Prime Video Thriller Series Draws Binge-Watchers with Unique Action

A retired assassin sips wine on a sun-drenched Greek island, dreaming of peace. Her estranged son arrives seeking answers about his mysterious past. Then bullets shatter the tranquility. This explosive setup fuels Prime Video’s newest hit, The Assassin, where middle-aged motherhood collides with lethal skills in a genre-bending thrill ride.

Streaming now, this six-part series stars Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Line of Duty) as Julie, a former hitwoman pulled from boozy retirement when her anxious son Edward (Freddie Highmore, The Good Doctor) tracks her down. He demands truths about his absent father—and the suspicious fortune suddenly deposited into his account. Their reunion is violently interrupted by sniper fire, triggering a globetrotting chase packed with brutal fights, dark humor, and startling revelations. As The Guardian noted, it stands out as “like nothing else” in today’s streaming landscape.

The Assassin’s Unique Blend: Heart and Headshots

Julie isn’t your typical action hero. She dispatches enemies with kitchen utensils while delivering sarcastic parenting advice, creating a darkly comic tone that balances intense violence with emotional weight. The show masterfully contrasts high-stakes shootouts—praised for their kinetic, one-take flair—with Julie’s struggle to connect with Edward. Digital Spy highlights her “captivating” conflict between maternal instinct and assassin’s instinct. This duality elevates The Assassin beyond mere action spectacle into a poignant exploration of identity and sacrifice.

Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore: A Dynamic Duo

Hawes dominates as Julie, blending weary cynicism with ruthless efficiency. Her chemistry with Highmore crackles; he portrays Edward’s vulnerability and moral shock with nuance, making their strained bond the series’ emotional core. Radio Times applauds their “hugely entertaining and funny” exchanges. Whether navigating Athenian back alleys or unraveling a corporate conspiracy involving a jailed hacker (a subplot reminiscent of The Night Manager), their performances ground the chaos. Hawes’ Julie—a liar who can’t fake warmth—redefines the female action lead.

Why The Assassin is Prime Video’s Must-Watch Thriller

While the plot occasionally leans into pulpy tropes, the show’s self-awareness and pacing keep it engaging. Director William McGregor (His Dark Materials) balances visceral action with quieter moments, ensuring emotional stakes never drown in gunfire. The Greek island setting provides stunning visuals, contrasting idyllic landscapes with brutal confrontations. Though tonal shifts risk whiplash—particularly when bystanders meet grim fates—the series commits to its wild, darkly comedic vision, earning favorable comparisons to John Wick meets Shirley Valentine.

Prime Video’s The Assassin redefines action storytelling by weaving lethal precision with raw maternal drama. Keeley Hawes delivers a career-best performance in this adrenaline-fueled, emotionally charged series that proves family can be deadlier than any syndicate. Stream all six episodes now—just don’t expect your next family vacation to feel quite as relaxing.

Must Know

What is The Assassin about?
The Assassin follows Julie (Keeley Hawes), a retired hitwoman living in Greece. Her life unravels when her son Edward (Freddie Highmore) visits seeking answers about his father, triggering assassination attempts that force them into a deadly global chase.

Where can I watch The Assassin?
All six episodes are available exclusively on Prime Video. The series premiered globally on June 14, 2024.

Is The Assassin based on a true story?
No. It’s an original action thriller created by screenwriter Tony Grisoni (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas), blending dark humor and family drama with high-octane set pieces.

How does The Assassin compare to Keeley Hawes’ previous roles?
Hawes trades political intrigue (Bodyguard) for visceral combat, showcasing physicality and emotional range as a conflicted mother-assassin—a departure praised by critics as “refreshingly original” (The Guardian, June 2024).

Will there be a Season 2?
Prime Video hasn’t confirmed renewal, but the finale leaves room for Julie and Edward’s story to continue amid unresolved threats from shadowy adversaries.