Melanie Laurent and Christopher Childs

Released on July 2nd on DVD, Requiem for a Killer is a magnificent film, beautiful directed with some truly brilliant performances. There are so many things the French do so well, and Jerome Le Gris’ thriller is definitely a cut above the rest.

Melanie Laurent plays Lucrece, a cool and calculated killer who specialises in poisoning. On the brink of retiring to spend more time with her daughter, she embarks on one last job – to eradicate a Scottish baritone (Christopher Stills) who’s plot of land is in the way of a major oil pipeline. But all goes wrong, and finally her boss Tcheky Karyo arrives to help her escape once he discovers she is now a target herself. On top of this, French counter-intelligence have their own man on the job. Rico (Clovis Cornillac) is also wanting out of the killing business and may just get his chance so long as he protect the baritone and kills Laurent.

A very classy thriller

Set against some of the most breathtaking vistas, Requiem for a Killer is a poised and absorbing piece of film from debut director Le Gris. Laurent is composed and engaging as she struggles to see her contract through, mirroring the quiet angst of Cornillac, who is equally as frustrated with the job in hand. What plays out is a classy thriller, as intense as it is subtle – a truly delightful hour and a half.

Rated 12, Requiem for a Killer is in French with English subtitles. Also available on EST.