Epic spy thriller The Assassin’s gutsy take on the genre is like nothing we’ve seen before

In Prime Video’s new thriller, The Assassin, we initially encounter Keeley Hawes’ character in an unusual yet captivating manner. To put it simply, this hitwoman effortlessly dispatches a multitude of bodyguards, paving her path to eliminate her target. She does so with a calm and composed demeanor, as if checking off items on a list.

What startles Julie isn’t the blood spots she leaves or her handler’s crass comment after a job well done, but rather the annoying beep signaling her watch timer had run out. What truly upset her was discovering the pregnancy test in her pocket and finding out that it indeed confirmed her pregnancy.

The opening five minutes of this Prime Video spy drama give us all the essential information. It’s a realm dominated by men, yet Julie doesn’t merely exist within it; she claims her place forcefully, radiating strength throughout. Misogyny is deeply ingrained from the start, but our leading character, a hitwoman, defies these expectations.

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Here, we leave Georgina Bitmead’s captivating portrayal of a younger Julie, and join an older, somewhat troubled Julie 31 years down the line.

At this point, we transition from Georgina Bitmead’s compelling representation of a youthful Julie, to an older, seemingly discontent Julie seen 31 years later.

Here, we find the core of the story unfolding, as the show delivers on its promise of a tense, high-stakes drama. Julie and her son Edward, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, are forced to escape from a peaceful Greek island when Julie’s turbulent past reemerges. Their strained relationship becomes even more intriguing as they band together to stay alive, their complex dynamics adding depth to the narrative.

Edward, a bit uncomfortable in expressing himself freely, often collides with his straightforward mother who seldom shows affection directly. Instead, her expressions of love are usually subtle.

The awkward interaction between them is incredibly awkward yet captivating, as they reacquaint themselves. Each actor delivers an impressive performance, but Hawes particularly shines among the group. The actor from Line of Duty dives deep beneath the exciting, action-packed exterior, and brings out the heart of the story.

At its core, “The Assassin” delves into the complexities of womanhood within a predominantly male environment. It bravely tackles this subject matter using the perspective of a hitwoman going through menopause, who remains just as formidable as she was initially.

In a fresh and distinctive take on the genre, The Assassin places a menopausal woman at the core of the story, and she wields her skills with an icy ruthlessness. Unlike other characters who might rediscover their youthful power, Julie never truly lost hers because she had always retained it.

This character exhibits a moral ambiguity that often defines compelling figures. She’s strong-willed, intricate, and dominating. Crucially, despite her questionable actions, there’s an undeniable urge to support her triumphs.

Apart from its many accurate aspects, the Prime thriller delves deeper into the complexities of womanhood. It doesn’t stop at exploring her role; it also portrays her challenges in defining herself as a mother in an engaging manner.

Women are often taught to view motherhood as their destiny, but for Julie, it’s combat that seems instinctive, yet bonding with her child proves challenging.

In this instance, she appears uncertain or hesitant for the first time. The suspenseful series reveals that Julie’s career has strained her bond with her son, and it demonstrates how achieving success has led her to forgo some aspects of what is traditionally considered ‘femininity’.

Without delving into other topics, “The Assassin” deserves recognition for constructing a maze-like plot that is usually characteristic of the genre. The tale propels you rapidly from one event to another, creating an exhilarating, fast-paced sensation that matches its sense of urgency perfectly.

Leaving viewers craving more, it sets the stage wonderfully for a binge-watching experience like this one. Anticipate that devotees won’t be able to tear themselves away, as Julie and Edward’s narrative unfolds in an increasingly chaotic manner, hopefully culminating in a satisfying resolution by the weekend.

All episodes of The Assassin are available to stream now on Prime Video.

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2025-07-25 19:49