Asher

Asher is a 2018 American action-drama movie directed by Michael Caton-Jones that offers a refreshing take on an age-old tale of crime, punishment, and redemption. Ron Perlman stars as Asher, the seasoned hitman at the heart of the story, with Famke Janssen and Jacqueline Bisset in significant supporting roles.

Beginning in the gritty underbelly of Brooklyn, the film precisely sets the tone for a dark, noir-style narrative punctuated by bouts of action and suspense. Asher is a contract killer harboring a lifetime of untold stories and blood on his hands. He lives a disciplined life, honed by years in his dangerous trade, and is dedicated to his profession with a sort of cold professionalism that only comes from decades of experience.

Perlman delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, successfully embodying the calm, efficient demeanor of a veteran operative. His acting, combined with Caton-Jones's nuanced approach to the direction, grants the character an impressive depth. Despite Asher's morally nebulous choice of profession, Perlman portrays him as a strangely likeable, if not sympathetic, character.

Famke Janssen portrays Sophie, a ballet teacher living in the same building as Asher. Janssen's character is emotionally engaging, a lush counterbalance to the perpetual hardness of Asher's world. Although both these characters come from vastly different lives, their shared experiences of sorrow quickly connect them.

Jacqueline Bisset plays Dora, Asher’s mother. The lilting complexity of the mother-son relationship is beautifully unpicked throughout the film, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to Asher's often-stoic exterior. The tension of this strained relationship adds another level of conflict, presenting an internal struggle for Asher that mirrors his external challenges.

"Asher" unfolds as a carefully layered narrative, where action, suspense and emotional drama coalesce. The result is a character-driven thriller that is thought-provoking without sacrificing its adrenaline-pumping moments. The choreography of each set-piece action scene is polished and realistic, lending credibility to the storyline and painting an even better picture of who Asher is—well-regulated, clear-headed, and ruthlessly efficient.

Through these thrilling moments, the film doesn’t forget the elements of redemption and growth, central to its narrative. Asher’s relationship with Sophie leads to unexpected events, forcing him to question his life's choices and whether he must continue down his violent path.

At its core, "Asher" is a study of a man grappling with the consequences of his life choices and forced to face his past. Perlman's nuanced performance enables viewers to empathize with a character they might not typically root for. At the same time, the movie poses moral questions compelling the audience to ponder what it means to seek redemption.

The noir-themed cinematography of Brooklyn effectively projects a continual grim atmosphere consistent with the narrative's tone. Sets and locations are chosen with painstaking precision, each one contributing significantly to the evolving story and visual metaphor for the protagonist's life.

"Asher" explores the gritty, dark fantasy of the hitman lifestyle whilst delving deeper into the moral greyness of their existence. It weaves action, plot, and character development into an engaging tale, providing a unique perspective and emotional journey for the audience.