Catherine Zeta-Jones’ new thriller series, ‘Kill Jackie’, has largely been panned by critics, with outlets describing it as a ‘drab misfire’ and ‘preposterous nonsense’. The show, which stars Zeta-Jones as an art dealer targeted by assassins, premiered on AMC+ on October 1st and October 2nd, depending on the source.
Critical Reception for Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Kill Jackie Thriller
Reviewers have been quick to highlight the series’ perceived shortcomings. The Guardian described ‘Kill Jackie’ as ‘preposterous nonsense’ that likely had ‘high intentions’ but settled for ‘gunfights, car chases and ear-bitings’ instead of ‘credible writing’. They further suggested it aimed to be like ‘Killing Eve’ but lacked ‘good characters or plot’.
Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter labelled the series ‘dead on arrival’, criticising its ‘shallowly conceived and haphazardly constructed’ nature, finding it ‘fatally short on thrills’. The publication noted that the action, despite featuring stabbings, shootouts, car chases, and even ‘death by vegetable peeler and liquid nitrogen’, was often ‘insipid and perfunctory’.
Plot and Production Overview
In ‘Kill Jackie’, Catherine Zeta-Jones portrays Jackie Price, an art dealer who has built a successful business using freeports to store imported goods without immediate duties. Jackie’s seemingly dull life is upended when her past catches up to her, leading to her being targeted by an elite group of assassins known as the ‘Seven Demons’. Jackie decides to hunt down her would-be killers, taking her across northern Spain.
The series was created by Tom Butterworth and Conor Keane, based on Nick Harkaway’s novel The Price You Pay. Alongside Zeta-Jones, the cast includes Daniel Ings as lawyer Sam, Sidse Babett Knudsen as Karenina, and Hattie Hook as Jackie’s assistant Charlie. Óscar Jaenada and Christine Adams also feature as assassins Zigor and The Doc, respectively.
Performance Analysis
Catherine Zeta-Jones’ performance as Jackie Price drew specific criticism. The Guardian noted her character’s delivery often suggested she had ‘recently received a brick to the head’, while The Hollywood Reporter found her to be an ‘uninspiring lead’, describing her facial expressions as ‘unforgivingly narrow’. However, the latter review did commend hearing Zeta-Jones’ ‘natural Welsh accent for once’.
While the lead performance received a mixed reception, some co-stars were highlighted. Daniel Ings, playing the ‘normie tax attorney’ Sam, was praised by The Hollywood Reporter as the ‘single greatest asset’ and ‘comic bright spot’ of the ensemble, bringing a ‘sweaty, ranty, wild-eyed’ energy to the show. Óscar Jaenada and Christine Adams were also noted for bringing some ‘gravitas’ and ‘wryness’ to their roles.
For more details on the series’ critical reception, you can read the full review from The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter.
