You know that feeling when you're scrolling through a streaming platform, and you see a poster with Alice Eve and Antonio Banderas and think, "Wait, how did I miss this?" That's usually the vibe with Cult Killer. It’s a gritty, rain-soaked noir that feels like it crawled out of the 90s but landed in 2024. If you're looking for the cast of Cult Killer, you're probably trying to figure out where you recognize that lead actress from or why the guy playing the villain looks so familiar. Honestly, the movie rests entirely on the shoulders of its lead duo, and their chemistry is what keeps it from being just another bargain-bin thriller.
It’s a dark story. Pretty bleak, actually.
The plot follows a private investigator who teams up with a killer to uncover a massive conspiracy in a small town. It’s directed by Jon Keeyes, who has a history of working with big names in smaller, punchy action-thrillers. But the casting is where the real interest lies because it's an odd mix of established A-listers and character actors who really chew the scenery.
Alice Eve as Cassie Holt
Alice Eve carries this movie. Most people remember her from Star Trek Into Darkness or She's Out of My League, but she’s doing something way different here. She plays Cassie Holt, a private investigator who is struggling with her own demons, specifically alcoholism. It’s a messy role. She’s not some "perfect" detective; she’s talented but deeply flawed.
Her character was mentored by Mike Tellini, played by Banderas. When he gets taken out of the picture early on, she has to step up. Eve brings a certain desperation to the role that feels real. You've probably seen her in Belgravia or Black Mirror (the "Nosedive" episode), but in the cast of Cult Killer, she's the emotional anchor. She spent a lot of time working on the Irish accent for this—since the movie is set and filmed in Ireland—and while people always debate accents, she hits the somber, weary tone the character needs.
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Antonio Banderas as Mike Tellini
Antonio Banderas is... well, he's Antonio Banderas. He doesn't have as much screen time as the marketing might lead you to believe, which is a classic move for these types of thrillers. He plays Mike, the mentor. He’s the veteran P.I. who gets Cassie onto the path of righteousness, or at least, the path of sobriety and work.
Banderas has reached that stage in his career where he can play "world-weary" in his sleep. Even with limited time, his presence looms over the whole film. It’s his death that triggers the entire plot. He’s the catalyst. If you’re a fan of his recent work like Pain and Glory, don't expect that level of high-art drama here. This is Banderas in "tough guy mentor" mode, and he nails it.
The Supporting Players: Shelley Hennig and Paul Reid
This is where the cast of Cult Killer gets really interesting.
Shelley Hennig plays Jamie Douglas. You might know her from Teen Wolf or Unfriended. In this movie, she’s a much darker, more complex figure. Without spoiling too much, she isn't exactly a hero. Her performance is twitchy and unsettling. She plays a victim of a horrific cult who has turned into something quite dangerous herself. The dynamic between Eve and Hennig is the actual "meat" of the second half of the film. It's a cat-and-mouse game where you aren't always sure who is the cat.
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Then there's Paul Reid. He plays Rory McMahon.
Reid is one of those Irish actors you've seen in a dozen things like The Ritual or Vikings, but you might not know his name off the top of your head. He brings a local authenticity to the film. Since the movie was filmed around the Dublin and Wicklow areas, having a strong Irish supporting cast was vital to make the setting feel lived-in rather than just a backdrop.
Why the Casting Matters for the Genre
Thrilled-seekers often complain that indie noir films feel "cheap." Usually, that’s because the acting is stiff. That isn't the case here. When you look at the cast of Cult Killer, you see professionals who are taking the pulp material seriously.
- Alice Eve provides the grit.
- Antonio Banderas provides the gravitas.
- Shelley Hennig provides the unpredictability.
The film deals with some pretty heavy themes—child abuse, institutional corruption, and the cycles of violence. If the actors didn't sell the trauma, the movie would fall apart. It’s a "Mean Streets" style story where the atmosphere is just as important as the dialogue.
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The Director’s Vision: Jon Keeyes
Jon Keeyes has a specific style. He likes shadows. He likes rain. He likes people looking miserable in expensive coats. He’s worked with Banderas before on Code Name Banshee, so they have a shorthand. Keeyes knows how to use Banderas’s limited time to maximum effect. He treats the cast of Cult Killer like pieces on a chessboard, slowly moving them toward a pretty grim checkmate.
Is it Worth Watching?
If you like True Detective or the Millennium series (like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), you'll dig this. It's not a "fun" movie. It’s a "feel bad" movie that’s well-acted. The mystery isn't necessarily the hardest one to solve—you'll probably figure out the "who" before Cassie does—but watching the cast of Cult Killer navigate the "why" is the real draw.
Some critics felt the pacing was a bit sluggish in the middle. I get that. But honestly, the slow burn allows the characters to breathe. You actually care when someone gets hurt because Eve and Banderas have established a believable bond.
Actionable Insights for Fans of the Genre
If you're planning to watch Cult Killer or just finished it and want more, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check out Alice Eve’s other indie work: If you liked her performance here, watch Dirty Weekend. It shows her range beyond the big blockbuster stuff.
- Research the filming locations: The movie makes great use of the Irish landscape. If you're into cinematography, look up the Wicklow mountains—it's where they filmed a lot of the outdoor sequences.
- Look into the Screenplay: The script was written by Charles Burnley. It’s worth looking at his other work if you enjoy this specific type of "broken detective" trope.
- Manage Expectations: This is an R-rated thriller. It’s violent and deals with dark subject matter. Don't go in expecting a standard action flick. It’s a character study wrapped in a crime procedural.
The cast of Cult Killer elevates what could have been a standard VOD release into something much more memorable. It's a solid 90-minute thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome.
To get the most out of the experience, watch it on a dark, rainy night. It fits the mood perfectly. After you finish, look up the film The Bagman or The Clean Up Crew if you want to see more of this specific "gritty indie" sub-genre that's been gaining traction lately.