Killing Blues

A painful divorce can have unexpected side effects. When his wife leaves him, Max, a 50+ ruthless hitman, discovers he has a huge problem. The slightest drop of blood is enough to knock him off his feet, and in his line of business that’s a mayor disadvantage. There is nothing left to do but to sink into a deep midlife crisis. Until the young couple across the street, Karim and Stéphanie, manage to shake him out of his lethargy. They’re slaving their lives away for a real estate agency, trying to sell houses over the phone to people who can’t afford them. Maybe this is a place where he can unleash his killer instinct. His new friends, stuck in their shitty jobs, dream of a life of action and adventure. But they’re going to get more than they bargained for when Max’s past catches up with him. The latest film from screenwriter-director Cécilia Rouaud (UNE VIE AILLEURS, PHOTO DE FAMILLE) is a black comedy the way we like it, with endearing and irritating characters, plenty of absurd situations and lots of (verbal) bullets in search of a willing target. Belgium’s pride François Damiens (THE BELIER FAMILY, THE LULUS) is in top shape as the depressed hitman. William Lebghil (THE FRESHMEN) and Laura Felpin (ASTERIX & OBELIX: THE MIDDLE KINGDOM) are superb as the hapless couple. With great supporting roles for Vanessa Paradis (HEARTBREAKER, KNIFE+HEART) as Max’s ex and Bruno Podalydès (ONLY GOD SEES ME) as Max’s mentor.