If Henry Golding made you cry in Last Christmas, you might want to check out one of his lesser-known films now available on Netflix. Assassin Club is a 2023 thriller featuring Golding as a hitman tasked with eliminating several targets, all of whom are also out to get him. Not only does this film showcase the actor from Crazy Rich Asians, but it also includes notable cast members such as Daniela Melchior from The Suicide Squad, Noomi Rapace from Prometheus, Sam Neill from Jurassic Park, and Jimmy Jean-Louis from Heroes.
When Assassin Club initially hit theaters, it only managed to screen in select countries, resulting in a meager box office intake of just $188,292 globally, according to Box Office Mojo. The film's reception has also been less than stellar, debuting with 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since climbed to 13% as more reviews trickle in. Now added to the streaming giant Netflix in the UK and Ireland, there’s speculation about whether it will receive a second chance to capture audience interest, similar to other forgotten films and TV shows.
Looking forward, 2024 has seen not only the release of Assassin Club but also Golding's collaboration with director Guy Ritchie on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, following their successful partnership on The Gentlemen. This continues to cement Golding’s rising profile within the industry.
Upcoming for Golding is Head Games, another thriller where he stars alongside the legendary Samuel L. Jackson. This film revolves around a thief who gets entangled in a mind-bending game. He is also set to appear in sequels to the Netflix superhero hit The Old Guard and his initial collaboration with director Paul Feig, A Simple Favour, which had marked his rise prior to Last Christmas.
For those interested, Assassin Club is presently streaming on Netflix UK and Ireland, as well as on Paramount+. For viewers in the United States, it’s available through Prime Video or MGM+. Given Golding's recent buzz and the uphill battle for acclaim faced by Assassin Club, there might be potential for this film to garner interest as audiences discover it through streaming platforms.
With mixed initial reactions, the question remains whether streaming can breathe new life to films like Assassin Club, often overlooked at the box office. Golding’s continued success and forthcoming projects may pique curiosity, encouraging audiences to give it another shot.
Despite its rocky debut, the film’s addition to popular streaming services puts it back on the radar. The engaging performances by Golding and the strong supporting cast invite viewers to decide whether they’ll enjoy this twist-filled narrative of danger and survival. It perfectly blends the thrills of high-stakes action with complex characters which could lead to unexpected fanfare over time.
