The Assassin Review: Keeley Hawes Shines in Thriller Series 2026

Our The Assassin review dives into Prime Video's latest thriller series, which stars Keeley Hawes as Julie Green, a sardonic middle-aged British assassin, and Freddie Highmore as her son Edward, a bookish journalist. The show, created by prolific writers Harry and Jack Williams, attempts to blend dark comedy with a labyrinthine conspiracy. But does it succeed? Let's break it down.

What Is The Assassin About?

The premise is simple: Julie Green is the world's top assassin, a sarcastic woman who has no time for anyone's nonsense. She's paid millions to eliminate super-dangerous targets. Her son Edward, meanwhile, is a journalist who has no idea about his mother's true profession. Their complicated relationship forms the core of the series.

In the first season, Edward visits his mother's Greek-island hideout during an investigation into a dodgy mining company. He's fallen in love with Kayla, the CEO's daughter, and this entanglement draws him into a web of danger. The show's creators, known for series like The Missing and Liar, pitched this concept to Prime Video and walked away with a commission. The result is a slick, twisty drama that tries to balance family dynamics with high-stakes action.

Keeley Hawes Delivers a Standout Performance

Keeley Hawes is undeniably the highlight of The Assassin. Her portrayal of Julie Green is sharp, witty, and utterly compelling. She brings a world-weary charm to the role, making the character both formidable and vulnerable. Hawes manages to inject humor into even the most tense moments, and her comedic timing is impeccable.

However, the material doesn't always match her talents. The writing occasionally veers into cliché, and Julie's backstory feels underdeveloped. Still, Hawes elevates every scene she's in, and her chemistry with Freddie Highmore is palpable. It's just a shame that the show doesn't fully capitalize on her strengths.

Freddie Highmore's Edward: A Frustrating Character

Freddie Highmore is a talented actor, but his character Edward is a tough pill to swallow. Described as "wan" and "bookish," Edward comes across as unbearably pathetic at times. His naivety and constant need for his mother's approval make him a frustrating protagonist. While this may be intentional—highlighting the contrast between mother and son—it doesn't make for enjoyable viewing.

Edward's storyline is meant to provide emotional depth, but instead, it often feels like a drag. His romantic subplot with Kayla (played by Shalom Brune-Franklin) is lukewarm, and his investigative efforts lack urgency. The show seems to want us to root for him, but his passive nature makes it difficult.

The Conspiracy Plot: Twisty but Tangled

The Assassin attempts to weave a complex conspiracy involving a mining company and political corruption. The first season is chaotic, with plot twists that sometimes feel forced. The writers clearly aim for a labyrinthine narrative, but the execution is uneven. Key revelations are telegraphed, and the pacing sags in the middle episodes. The background to this story is set out in Freddie Meredith: From Bartender to SNL UK Breakout Star. A related thread runs through Freddie Meredith's Need a Light Review: Hilarious Cringe Comedy. Earlier coverage in Kill Jackie Review: Catherine Zeta-Jones Assassin Thriller Falls Flat shows how the argument developed.

That said, the show does keep you guessing. The central mystery—who is targeting whom and why—is engaging enough to keep watching. But the convoluted plot often overshadows the character-driven moments that could have made the series truly memorable. A closer look at the same subject appears in Freddie Foreman: The Managing Director of British Crime. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Assassin's Creed Black Flag Remake PS5 Bundle Deal at Fnac. The same theme surfaces in Celebrity: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

Comparison: The Assassin vs. Killing Eve

Inevitably, The Assassin draws comparisons to Killing Eve, another series about a female assassin. Both feature dark humor and a cat-and-mouse dynamic, but The Assassin lacks the sharp wit and psychological depth of its predecessor. Killing Eve's Villanelle was a fascinating study in psychopathy, while Julie Green feels more like a caricature of a tough woman. Context on how this played out before sits in The Greatest Review: Amazon's Muhammad Ali Series Is a Story Told Too. A companion piece, Sterling Point: 8-Episode Summer Series Hits 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, approaches the same subject from another angle.

The table below summarizes key differences:

Key Takeaways from The Assassin

• Keeley Hawes delivers a compelling performance as a sarcastic assassin.
• Freddie Highmore's character is frustratingly passive and naive.
• The conspiracy plot is twisty but often convoluted.
• Comparisons to Killing Eve are inevitable but unfavorable.
• The show has potential but needs tighter writing in future seasons.

FAQ

The Assassin is a mixed bag. It boasts a stellar lead performance from Keeley Hawes and a premise with potential, but it's held back by a weak supporting character and a tangled plot. For fans of the thriller genre, it's worth a watch, but don't expect the next Killing Eve.