TIFF 2026 Review: The Assassin(s) – “a cousin to Zodiac”

Police and journalists try to uncover the conspiracy behind the attempted assassination of South Korean President Park Chung-hee.

Doing their own form of terror was the Korea Central Intelligence Agency which was an instrument used by South Korean President Park Chung-hee to keep his opposition in line through fear; but an assassination attempt on his life which led to the murder of his wife and the death of a middle-schooler, is revealed through the diligent determination of police and journalists that there are bigger economic forces at work which may be his biggest threat to losing power.

This is a procedural that David Fincher would be proud of as it is a cousin to Zodiac though the serial killer is not so much a particular psychotic individual, but those determined to line their pockets at the expense of public interest.  The 1970s is impeccably recreated through the props, set dressing, vehicles and attire.  Everything is done with intent.  Even the brackets in the movie title has a significant meaning. Though the family life of the newspaper editor never comes to light it certainly does with the police chief.  The plot is tightly woven between the two separate investigations which sometimes intersect because the two men respect each other.

The problem is that the truth is not wanted by those in power who create the impression that the desire is for justice to prevail which leads to the KCIA being the attack dogs that delight in being unleased.  An execution takes place as the individual is seen as a threat to democracy; however, after witnessing how brutally the government operates, one has to wonder, ‘What democracy are they talking about?’ The complexity of the story requires multiple viewings to understand everything that is happening. The acting is top-notch as it truly comes across that they are trying do their jobs whether it is for the sake of good or evil.   What is hard to decide upon is whether this is a story that celebrates resilience or is simply nihilistic.  Perhaps like the truth, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs September 10-20, 2026, and for more information visit tiff.net.   

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.