Streaming platforms are currently obsessed with gangster tales, from the gritty drama of Guy Ritchie's MobLand to the quirky chaos of Lucky. Now, AMC+ throws its hat into the ring with Kill Jackie, a crime comedy-thriller that leans heavily on the star power of Catherine Zeta-Jones. The Oscar winner trades her usual elegant roles for a blood-soaked, bullet-riddled adventure that's as stylish as it is chaotic.
A High-Stakes Game of Survival
Zeta-Jones plays Jackie Price, a wealthy art dealer with a hidden past as a drug baron. When her elderly neighbor is brutally murdered by professional assassins, Jackie becomes the next target. The killers belong to a mysterious group called the Seven Demons, and Jackie suspects her former life has finally caught up with her. Forced to go on the run, she drags along her loyal assistant (Hattie Hook) and her baffled lawyer (Daniel Ings), both of whom are stunned to learn about her criminal history. As the trio navigates a world of double-crosses and deadly encounters, Jackie must use her old skills to survive and uncover who's really pulling the strings.
A Star Turn for Zeta-Jones
This role marks a significant departure for Zeta-Jones, who has spent recent years in supporting parts on shows like Wednesday and Feud: Bette and Joan. In Kill Jackie, she finally gets a lead role that lets her flex both her comedic timing and her action chops. She's also speaking in her native Welsh accent for the first time on screen, a detail that adds authenticity to her performance. Her charisma is undeniable, making it easy to believe that her character's inner circle would follow her into danger without hesitation.
Style Over Substance
The show wears its influences on its sleeve, channeling the irreverent energy of Quentin Tarantino and the slick, laddish vibe of Guy Ritchie. The dialogue is sharp and self-aware, with Zeta-Jones delivering sarcastic one-liners and breaking the fourth wall with a wink. The action is over-the-top, with elaborate kills and colorful villains, each with their own quirky calling card. The soundtrack is a killer mix of Dusty Springfield, M.I.A., and Tom Jones, adding to the cool factor.
However, the plot often gets tangled in its own twists. The constant double-crosses and hidden agendas become predictable, and the show's obsession with inventive deaths starts to feel gratuitous. At 40-45 minutes per episode, the pacing drags in the back half, making the series feel longer than it should.
Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure
Kill Jackie isn't the next prestige crime drama, but it's a fun, stylish romp that benefits immensely from Zeta-Jones's magnetic presence. If you're looking for a light, violent distraction, this might be your next guilty pleasure. The series premieres October 2 on AMC+.
