Hunting Jessica Brok
The brief
Alastair Orr turns the tired "retired assassin" setup into something surprisingly grounded and gritty, anchored by Danica Jones's fierce, no-bullshit performance as a woman who can't escape her past. The South African setting gives the action a dusty, lived-in feel that's way more interesting than the usual European glamour spots, and Orr keeps the pacing tight without drowning you in exposition. At over two hours it's definitely hefty, but the character work between the expertly choreographed fight scenes makes it earn that runtime. Perfect for anyone who thought the John Wick films needed more emotional weight and less neon.
The verdict
If you crave action films with emotional depth and can handle a lengthy runtime, this grounded take on the retired assassin genre delivers fierce performances and expertly crafted fight sequences in a refreshingly dusty South African setting. If you prefer your action movies quick and flashy without heavy character development, the 2+ hour commitment and gritty tone will likely feel like a slog.
Watch with
- 👥 Action fans who appreciate character depth
- ⚠️ Those seeking mindless popcorn entertainment
Heads up
- Intense fight sequences and combat violence (frequent)
- Assassin backstory with implied killings (moderate)
- Child in potential danger scenarios (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Alastair Orr
- Cast
- Danica Jones, Clyde Berning, Richard Lukunku, Anthony Oseyemi, Hlubi Mboya, Tamer Burjaq, Jandre le Roux
Official synopsis
Long before she was a single mother in a sleepy South African town, Jessica Brok was a highly skilled, coldblooded,
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both feature retired assassins forced back into violent action.
Total runtime: 2h 8m + 1h 29m = 3h 37m
