In the Arms of an Assassin (2019)

In the Arms of an Assassin is the kind of slick, pulpy romantic thriller that knows exactly how to mix danger and desire, letting tension simmer in every glance as much as in every gunshot. William Levy brings a cool, movie-star magnetism to Victor, while Alicia Sanz gives Sarai a resilience that keeps the story from feeling like mere fantasy, and together they generate the kind of charged chemistry that makes you lean in even when you know you shouldn’t. Director Matías Moltrasio keeps the vibe glossy and urgent—part cat-and-mouse, part fever dream—so the film moves like a late-night page-turner with a wicked streak. Fair warning: it’s not for everyone, with explicit violence and sexual content, but if you’re on the fence and want a steamy, adrenaline-laced escape with two irresistible leads, this one delivers.

In the Arms of an Assassin is clearly trying to mash up a glossy, sexy romance with a gritty cartel thriller, built around William Levy’s smoldering “dangerous man with a conscience” appeal. The problem is the storytelling feels choppy and overstuffed, so scenes don’t always connect cleanly and the movie can become confusing even when the plot is basically predictable. Worse, the romance leans into exploitative territory given the captive-abuse setup, and the film’s heavy violence and sexual content can feel more sensational than meaningful. If you’re here for Levy’s charisma, some pulpy action, and you can tolerate messy editing plus very dark material, you might get a guilty-pleasure kick—but if you want a coherent thriller or a romance with healthier footing, this probably isn’t for you.