Action film legend Jason Statham has collaborated with an Oscar-winning Hollywood heavyweight in the action-packed thriller Killer Elite, which is now available to stream for free on platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV. This film pairs Statham with the esteemed Robert De Niro, while they confront Clive Owen, known for his roles in Sin City and Children of Men, along with a cadre of assassins.
A Closer Look at Killer Elite
Directed by Gary McKendry and based on the 1991 novel The Feather Men by British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Killer Elite offers a slightly more grounded take on the action genre compared to Statham’s more explosive titles like The Mechanic and The Beekeeper. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Yvonne Strahovski, Lachy Hulme, Dominic Purcell, Aden Young, and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.
The plot centers on Danny Bryce (played by Jason Statham), one of the world’s most lethal special operations agents, who comes out of retirement after his mentor, Hunter (Robert De Niro), is captured. To mount a rescue operation, Danny must reunite his former team of elite commandos and infiltrate the notorious British Special Air Service (SAS). Complicating matters is Spike (Clive Owen), a formidable assassin leading a group known as the Feather Men, who pose a serious threat to Danny and his team.
Why Killer Elite Deserves a Second Chance
Despite its lackluster reception—scoring just 27% on Rotten Tomatoes—Killer Elite features impressive performances and a series of thrilling action sequences. One standout moment includes an intense confrontation between Statham and Owen, culminating in a dramatic scene where Statham flips onto his opponent while bound to a chair, showcasing the film’s blend of creativity and physicality.
Statham has carved a niche in the action genre, consistently delivering high-octane performances. He has a number of upcoming projects that fans can look forward to, including Levon’s Trade. In this film, he reunites with director David Ayer and writer Sylvester Stallone. The story follows Levon Cade, a former counter-terrorism operative who attempts to leave his violent past behind to focus on construction and fatherhood. However, when a local girl goes missing, Levon is drawn back into his old life to rescue her.
What’s Next for Statham?
In addition to Levon’s Trade, Statham is set to reprise his role as Deckard Shaw in the final installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. He will also star in Mutiny, directed by Jean-François Richet, where he plays a character on the run after the murder of his billionaire employer. There’s also buzz around The Beekeeper 2, which has not yet been officially confirmed. Director David Ayer has expressed interest in further exploring the mythology surrounding the titular organization and the assassins within it.
Ayer remarked, “I’m fascinated by the mythology of the beekeepers. We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface, and there’s so much more to discover about their origins and purpose, as well as Jason’s character’s role within this world.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jason Statham or simply looking for an entertaining action flick, Killer Elite provides a unique blend of tension, drama, and adrenaline-fueled sequences. Now available for free, it’s an excellent opportunity to catch up on a film that may have been overlooked.