Netflix’s The Killer gets a trailer, and it looks like another unmissable David Fincher thriller

Michael Fassbender's unnamed protagonist stares menacingly out of a window in The Killer
The Killer is David Fincher's second movie in his overall deal with Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

The first trailer for The Killer, which arrives on the streamer in November, has debuted online – and it looks like it'll be another unmissable thriller from acclaimed director David Fincher.

One of 2023's big new Netflix movies, The Killer's first teaser is populated with instantly recognizable Fincher-directed elements. Namely, a pulsating *ahem* killer soundtrack, meticulous shot selection (albeit appearing at breakneck speed in the trailer), a muted but stylized color palette, and a slow-burning thriller-centric narrative that's sure to contain plenty of subversive story beats.

But enough of describing the trailer. You'll want to watch it for yourself, won't you? Well, stop what you're doing right now and check out The Killer's first trailer below:

Fincher's latest feature film stars Michael Fassbender as the unnamed titular character. As for what it's about, here's the official logline from Netflix: "After a fateful near-miss, an assassin battles his employers, and himself, on an international manhunt he insists isn't personal". 

Not much to go on, then, but that's all we need to know before The Killer arrives. The best part of watching any Fincher flick is seeing its twists and turns play out as you watch them in real time. In short: any further explanation about its plot would be to the movie's (and viewers') detriment.

The Killer will be the second movie Fincher has helmed for the world's best streaming service. The first, 2020's Mank, was met with critical acclaim ahead of its debut on the platform, although audiences weren't as enthused by the Gary Oldman-fronted flick on general release.

Even so, Mank graced our best Netflix movies article for a long time before making way for other entries. Could The Killer join that elite list later this year? We'd be surprised if it didn't, especially considering that his Mindhunter TV series (also available on Netflix) is still one of the best Netflix shows around.

Joining Fassbender on The Killer's cast list are Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell, Arliss Howard, and Sophia Charlotte. Andrew Kevin Walker (Seven, Windfall) has penned the screenplay for the movie, which is based on Alexis Nolent and Luc Jacamon's graphic novel series of the same name. Ceán Chaffin, Fincher's wife and producing partner on many of his previous flicks, is on board as one of its executive producers, too.

The Killer will receive its world premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival on Sunday, September 3, so you should keep your eyes peeled for those all-important first reactions to drop online after that screening. Fincher's latest feature will be available to watch in select theaters sometime in October, too, before it lands on Netflix on November 10.

You might also like

Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

Read more
Stephen Graham in the Netflix show Adolescence
The trailer for Netflix’s wild ‘one-take’ mystery thriller Adolescence looks ultra-intense and timely
A close up of Robert De Niro wearing glasses
Netflix is getting 2 huge thrillers that I can’t wait for, with Robert De Niro, Gillian Anderson and Ben Affleck on board
Joe Goldberg and Kate Lockwood sitting at a table and looking at the camera in You season 5.
Netflix releases a killer new trailer for You season 5 but my favorite character is missing from Joe's final chapter
Emily Blunt in Sicario
3 thriller movies coming to Netflix with over 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
An image from Welcome to the Family showing to women screaming
Netflix's trailer for a new comedy show that looks like Knives Out meets Weekend at Bernie's – Welcome to the Family seems like chaotic fun
Black and white picture of Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: everything we know so far about Netflix's Knives Out 3 movie
Latest in Netflix
Wonka poster
Netflix cooks up sweet new reality TV series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it's a dream come true for me
Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham) looks as his anxious son Jamie (Owen Cooper) in a prison cell.
Netflix's #1 show Adolescence is one of the best crime dramas I've seen – here are 3 more with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore, swinging a golf club while a crowd watches
Netflix confirms Happy Gilmore's long-awaited comeback in new trailer, and I hope it won't be a swing and a miss
A still from Netflix's new miniseries Adolescence starring Stephen Graham
Adolescence is the TV show of the year – here’s why the Netflix crime drama had me gripped from start to finish
Sakata in Demon City holds a large cleaver-like weapon
Demon City on Netflix is Japan's answer to John Wick with a dash of Oldboy, and it rocks
Cristin Milioti in Black Mirror season 7
Netflix launches trailer for Black Mirror season 7, giving us a look at its first-ever sequel episode and an unexpected returning character
Latest in News
Girl wearing Meta Quest 3 headset interacting with a jungle playset
Latest Meta Quest 3 software beta teases a major design overhaul and VR screen sharing – and I need these updates now
Microsoft
"Another pair of eyes" - Microsoft launches all-new Security Copilot Agents to give security teams the upper hand
Hatch Restore 3 in Putty
You can finally start your day with The Office theme song, and I couldn't be more excited
Cassian Andor looking nervously over his shoulder in Andor season 2
New Andor season 2 trailer has got Star Wars fans asking the same question – and it includes an ominous call back to Rogue One's official teaser
Ncuti Gatwa as The Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who
Disney+ drops new trailer for Doctor Who season 2 that promises an epic adventure across time and space
23andMe
23andMe is bankrupt and about to sell your DNA, here's how to stop that from happening