Amazon’s Divisive Action Thriller That’s Unlike Anything Viewers Have Seen Before Kills It on Streaming

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Amazon introduced a new action hero last year – a skilled individual whose abilities will be needed again when old adversaries reappear. The streaming series blends elements of films like Liam Neeson’s Taken and, surprisingly, Mamma Mia!, and has been incredibly popular for weeks.

The action thriller The Assassin—which surprisingly has elements of Mamma Mia—first appeared on Prime Video last July. Since then, it’s become a hit in the United States, staying in the streaming platform’s top 10 for nearly two months. Created by the writers of the popular dramas The Missing and The Tourist, Harry and Jack Williams, The Assassin stars as Julie, a former professional killer trying to rebuild a relationship with her son, Edward, played by , after leaving a life of violence.

Julie’s past unexpectedly resurfaces, forcing her to flee with her son. The six-episode series, The Assassin, stars Gina Gershon (known from Riverdale and New Amsterdam), Shalom Brune-Franklin (The Tourist, Baby Reindeer), Jack Davenport (The Morning Show, Pirates of the Caribbean), Alan Dale (Dynasty, Lost), Gerald Kyd (The Swarm, The Split), Devon Terrell (Totally Completely Fine, Cursed), Richard Dormer (Blue Lights, Game of Thrones), and David Dencik (The Ipcress File, No Time to Die), along with Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore. Currently, it’s the #2 show on AMC+, and you can find the official description below.

A former hitwoman reconnects with her son after years of distance, but trouble from her old life quickly finds them. They’re forced to flee, and as they do, they discover a hidden plot that puts their already fragile bond to the test.

You’ve Never Met an Assassin Like This…


Prime Video

Though it borrowed elements from popular action movies like James Bond and Taken, The Assassin received a mixed reaction when it first came out. Critics currently give it a respectable 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences are less impressed, giving it only 43% on the site’s Popcornmeter.

Critics have drawn comparisons between the new series and several popular films. Metro gave it a near-perfect 4/5 stars, describing it as a blend of Mamma Mia, Taken, and Black Doves. The Daily Telegraph playfully likened it to Mamma Mia! but with a sniper, calling it a delightful watch. Empire (also awarding 4/5 stars) hinted at a groundbreaking action series featuring an unforgettable action hero.

Keeley Hawes delivers a truly unique assassin in this thrilling new series, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Expect intense action, but you’ll be hooked by the complex and captivating relationship at the heart of the story.

A second season of The Assassin is now in the works.

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2026-01-15 02:02