Idris Elba joins Apple TV Plus’ Hijack as co-star Neil Maskell stands out with his powerful performance.
In the new series Hijack, Idris Elba may bring star power, but it’s Neil Maskell who truly shines. Playing the lead terrorist on a hijacked flight, the British actor commands attention with his gritty and intense portrayal. While many actors can handle the suspense of a ticking-clock plot, Maskell has that special ability to allow the weight of the situation to crush his character’s psyche. With his rage, confusion, and spiraling crisis, Maskell captivates audiences. It’s no wonder the creative team behind Hijack were inspired by his performance in Kill List, one of the greatest horror-thrillers in recent years.
Maskell has been a familiar face on British TV, often playing rough and gruff characters. However, it is in Kill List that his raw energy reaches its apex. Released in 2011, the film features Maskell as Jay, a hitman grappling with PTSD. As he becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies, each kill further breaks him. In Hijack, this energy is harnessed within the confines of a suffocating airplane cabin, allowing Elba’s negotiator character to infiltrate the hijackers’ plans. While his blowups on Hijack can feel explosive, it’s in Kill List where Maskell’s performance truly becomes ballistic.
Kill List is a nightmarish vision brought to life by writer Amy Jump and filmmaker Ben Wheatley. Known for his experimentation with film form, Wheatley took a swing with Meg 2: The Trench, albeit with mixed results. However, this hasn’t diminished his reputation, especially for those captivated by Kill List’s sadistic and form-pushing qualities. The film revolves around a symbol, a sigil, that haunts the protagonist, Jay. From beginning to end, the film aims to unsettle and upset its viewers.
Adding to Kill List’s relevance today is the presence of MyAnna Buring, known for her role in The Witcher. In Wheatley’s film, Buring captivates as a wife desperately trying to regain normalcy in her partner’s life. The movie explores themes of suburban life, financial strain, and psychological turmoil, all while escalating into cosmic stakes. It subverts the glamour often associated with crime films, thanks to Buring’s portrayal of a strong and determined woman.
Despite its dark and brutal nature, Kill List is an engaging film. The performances and twisted plot prevent it from becoming overly morose. Michael Smiley’s character Gal provides some much-needed levity. While Kill List may not fit the mold of mainstream horror in 2023, it offers a unique and brutal experience that horror fans can appreciate.
It’s worth noting that Kill List might have achieved even greater success if it had been released during the A24 wave of “elevated horror.” Nonetheless, it remains a must-watch film. After experiencing The Witcher, Hijack, and perhaps even Meg 2, it’s time to buckle up for an intense and rewarding movie-watching experience. Kill List is available to stream on Tubi.