The Killing Machine: Explosions and Melancholy Memories

I watched “The Killing Machine” last night, and the whole experience left me both thrilled and oddly nostalgic. Dolph Lundgren, that towering Swedish legend, stars and directs this action-packed saga, and let me tell ya, it’s got all the adrenaline you expect from a good ol’ shoot-’em-up flick. Something quintessentially comforting about seeing one of our own, you know? Maybe I’m biased, but hey, who isn’t?

Now, this film is no Bergman, let’s be clear. But, there’s a certain charm in its simplicity. Lundgren, as the brooding ex-assassin turned accidental hero, still manages to bring emotional weight, even if most emotions are, let’s just say, more on the explosive side. Each punch or explosion echoes like a heartbeat of its own. You feel it viscerally, like biting into a fresh cinnamon bun on a cold winter day in Stockholm.

There’s this funny bit though—when I first moved to Stockholm in the 80s, I had an apartment on the same street where they shot one of the chase scenes. Back then it was less ‘action movie’ and more ‘grumpy neighbor’ every Saturday night. Hearing the familiar street, now filled with gunfire and car chases, I honestly half-expected Olle from next door to yell “keep it down!” even during the film.

Producer Avi Lerner gives it that classic action film vibe, while the cinematography throws you back to those tough 90s thrillers, soaked in urban grit and unconcealed chaos. It’s not all mindless explosions though; somewhere, amidst the fury, it hints at lost identities and redemption. But maybe that’s me seeing things through a Swedish winter lens.

So, if you’re looking for deep existential themes or layered storytelling—pass. But if you’ve got a soft spot for Dolph, contradictions, and simple, no-nonsense tussles, give it a shot. Sometimes, a little uncomplicated fun isn’t such a bad thing, right?

Check the trailer below