Keeley Hawes Takes Center Stage in 'The Assassin'
When you think of classic action leads, a retired assassin hiding on a sun-soaked Greek island probably isn't your first image. But that's exactly where Prime Video's new series The Assassin throws us, right into the complicated world of Julie, played by Keeley Hawes. Created by the duo behind 'The Missing' and 'Liar'—Harry and Jack Williams—this six-episode thrill ride isn't your standard guns-blazing fare. Instead, it's got real heart, choppy family history, and a main character who just wants to start over, even if her old life refuses to let her go.
Julie, once a feared contract killer, has swapped violence for solitude. Her world is rocks, sunshine, and silence. But the show upends all that peaceful routine when her grown son Edward, played by Freddie Highmore, shows up. He's not just there for a quick hello; he's on a mission of his own, searching for answers about his father. The dynamic is awkward, laced with years of half-hearted communication—texts here and there, but nothing close. Hawes makes sure you see the layers: Julie might have steel in her veins, but she flinches at Edward's vulnerability and questions, revealing cracks in her armor.
A Cast That Delivers Drama and Suspense
The show's ensemble brings more than just backup. Shalom Brune-Franklin's Kayla throws extra tension into the mix, playing a pivotal role as the plot twists and danger escalates. Devon Terrell’s Ezra is no bit part—a character cleverly woven into the fabric of threats facing Julie and Edward, keeping viewers on their toes about who to trust.
It doesn’t just stop with them. The series features notable performances from Gina Gershon as Marie, Gerald Kyd as Luka, and Alan Dale in the role of Aaron Cross. Each actor adds their own flavor to the turmoil, playing off the conflict and alliances that bubble up as Julie tries to stay one step ahead of her past, and sometimes, herself.
Harry and Jack Williams didn't choose Greece for nothing. The whitewashed towns, glittering water, and sun-bleached ruins become characters of their own. That beauty clashes with the lurking threats Julie faces, and the script keeps you guessing—just because a scene looks serene doesn’t mean Julie (or you) can relax. The writing never lets up on the tension, but makes sure you’re invested in Julie as a person, not just as a weapon. According to Hawes, “She’s not the coolest assassin in the world, but she’s a great character in her own right.” That’s what the show gets right—it’s as much about human messiness and regret as it is about bullets and bodies.
‘The Assassin’ dropped all six episodes at once on July 25, 2025, giving binge-watchers the green light to burn through Julie’s journey without waiting. If you’re looking for an action thriller loaded with real people, moral gray areas, and the feeling that sometimes you only outrun your past by facing it, this is one to add to your must-watch queue.
