KILL LIST

Year: 2011
USA: IFC Films
UK: Optimum Releasing
Cast: Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring, Harry Simpson, Michael Smiley, Struan Rodger, Ben Crompton, Emma Fryer, Esme Folley, Gemma Lise Thornton, Robin Hill, Gareth Tunley, Jamelle Ola
Director: Ben Wheatley
Country: UK
USA & UK: 95 mins
USA Rated: Unrated
UK Certificate: 18 contains very strong bloody violence
USA Release Date: 3 February 2012 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 2 September 2011 (Limited Release)

Synopsis

Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer, Jay (Neil Maskell), is pressured by his partner, Gal (Michael Smiley), and wife Shel (MyAnna Buring), into undertaking a new assignment.

Jay and Gal visit the mysterious Client (Struan Rodger). Both are disturbed by the Client’s knowledge of “Kiev” and are further shocked when he slashes Jay’s hand as part of a bizarre blood pact to seal the contract. Jay returns home to prepare and say his farewells to Shel and his son Sam.

The first victim is a priest. The hit is straightforward apart from the priest being seemingly aware of his fate and even more bizarrely, thankful to Jay. The body is dealt with and they prepare for the next phase of the contract.

After a short stakeout they break into a lockup concealing pornographic material and duplicating equipment. Both Gal and Jay are visibly shocked by the unseen images. At the second victim’s home Jay tortures the man until he reveals information about the films. Again the victim thanks him for his fate.

A concerned Gal convinces Jay to try and ditch the job. Shel is scared and takes Sam to a safe house they keep. Returning to the client their attempts to abort the mission are rejected and they come away with details of another victim. An MP.

In the wooded grounds of the MP’s manor house Jay and Gal stumble across a bizarre ritualistic ceremony and Jay’s final descent into the heart of darkness begins…