The Assassin (2025) is one of the most anticipated British‑language crime‑thriller series of the year, blending suspense, espionage, and psychological drama. Created and written by Harry and Jack Williams, and starring Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore, this English‑language series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 25 July 2025.
Movie Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Assassin |
| Genre | Crime, Thriller |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | 25 July 2025 |
| Director / Creator | Harry and Jack Williams (Creators), Various directors per episode |
| Writer | Harry and Jack Williams (and contributing writers) |
Overview & Premise
**The Assassin** (2025) is a gripping six-part British crime thriller series, brought to life by the acclaimed creators Harry and Jack Williams (known for *The Tourist* and *Bodyguard*). The story follows Julie (Keeley Hawes), a retired assassin living in Greece. Her peaceful life unravels when she is unexpectedly reunited with her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore), who is seeking answers about his father and his mother’s past. As their bond strengthens, past enemies and conspiracies surface, putting them both in grave danger.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Greece, the series interweaves tense cat-and-mouse chases, emotionally charged confrontations, and moral reckonings. Julie must confront old allegiances and betrayals while forging a fragile connection with her son, all under the looming threat of powerful unseen adversaries. The narrative delivers a pulse‑pounding journey through identity, redemption, and survival.
Cast & Characters
- Keeley Hawes as Julie – a retired assassin now living in Greece, confronting her past when reunited with her son.
- Freddie Highmore as Edward – Julie’s estranged son, determined to uncover the truth about his family’s history.
- Shalom Brune‑Franklin as Kayla
- Gerald Kyd as Luka
- Devon Terrell as Ezra
- David Dencik as Jasper
- Alan Dale as Aaron Cross
- Gina Gershon as Marie
- Jack Davenport as Sean
- Richard Dormer as Damien
- Ali Fardi as Khaled
- Soroush Helali as Chris
Production & Release
Created by Harry and Jack Williams and produced by Two Brothers Pictures in collaboration with All3Media, ZDF (Germany), and Stan (Australia), **The Assassin** was filmed in Greece starting August 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. The six-episode series premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom on **25 July 2025** :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Executive producers include Keeley Hawes and Freddie Highmore themselves, alongside Sarah Hammond, with Nige Watson as producer :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Critical Reception & Impact
While critical consensus is still forming, early audience feedback highlights Keeley Hawes’s career-best performance and the compelling dynamic between mother and son. The show’s tone—balancing dry British humor with high-stakes thriller elements—has sparked varied reactions. One viewer noted:
Having consumed all six episodes in a single viewing … Keeley Hawes […] delivers compelling moments amidst a narrative that embraces its own absurdity, balancing humorous dialogue and actions with intense action sequences. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
This review captures the series’ unique blend of emotional intimacy and genre-bending atmosphere. Series discussions echo the sense that **The Assassin** defies easy categorization, merging crime thriller intensity with weirdly charming wit—all set within the serene landscapes of Greece.
Why It Matters
**The Assassin (2025)** stands out in today’s streaming landscape for several reasons:
- Emotional Core with Action Resonance: At its heart is a mother‑son relationship scarred by separation and danger, anchored by strong performances.
- Unique Tonal Blend: The series merges tension and humor in surprising ways, making it stand apart from more straightforward crime dramas.
- Stylish Filming Locations: Greece offers a lush, cinematic canvas that elevates the suspense and emotional stakes.
- Proven Creative Team: Harry and Jack Williams bring their signature storytelling sensibility, already proven in hits like *Bodyguard* and *The Tourist*.
- Streaming Must-See: Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, the series is easily accessible to global audiences and poised to become a notable entry in British crime‑thriller television.
Summary
**The Assassin (2025)** is a memorable addition to Amazon Prime Video’s lineup—boldly crafted, emotionally rich, and tonally daring. Featuring a standout performance by Keeley Hawes as a retired assassin turned mother, and Freddie Highmore as the estranged son desperate for answers, the six-part series delivers an intoxicating mix of suspense, wit, and heart. Created by Harry and Jack Williams and shot in the scenic vistas of Greece, the show premiered on 25 July 2025 and has already begun stirring conversation for its daring tone and narrative ambition.
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