Film review: 'Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back)' is a fresh and original take on the black comedy genre

With a unique perspective on life, death and suicide, the new British black comedy hits the sweet spot between tragedy and comedy with its deadpan style and absurd premise.
PUBLISHED NOV 30, 2018

On his feature-length directorial debut, British filmmaker Tony Edmunds offers the tongue-in-cheek black comedy 'Dead In A Week (Or Your Money Back)', an absurd, dark, but delightfully funny film that engages audiences from the very first shot all the way till the end.

The plot of the film is wonderfully refreshing. The film stars Aneurin Barnard in the lead role of William, a struggling writer battling the existential dread of everyday life. After trying to commit suicide seven times (ten if you count the "cries for help", as he puts it), William decides to outsource his suicide to a hitman who oddly specializes in these kinds of deals. The deal, as the title suggests, is that the hitman kills you within a week or you get a full refund! But the hitman, Leslie, played by the inimitable Tom Wilkinson has some issues of his own. He's an old man now and fighting retirement by trying to meet his 'quota' for the 'Guild of Assassins' and William is his last shot (excuse the pun) at redemption.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Michael B. Jordan voiced the character of Ollie, alongside Juno Temple voicing the flying Ivy, with the film set to arrive on Netflix soon.
34 minutes ago
A well-timed prank had the world believing that 'Hamnet' star Jessie Buckley was the next 'James Bond,' set to succeed Daniel Craig.
2 hours ago
In what comes as good news for fans of 'Mamma Mia 3,' Meryl Streep teased potential return as Donna in the in-development sequel, along with pop icon.
3 hours ago
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is finally available on streaming platforms, with the digital releases slated for May 19.
5 hours ago
The animated film follows Mario and Luigi on another adventure as they encounter a vast range of characters from the popular video game franchises
6 hours ago
'Weapons' prequel adds the services of Zach Shields, who has previously worked in several acclaimed movies
9 hours ago
The next 'James Bond' sequel unveils key details, setting the stage for what’s to come before Denis Villeneuve’s Amazon reboot begins.
1 day ago
The movie is based on the comic book series 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,' which was published in 2022 and illustrated by Bilquis Evely.
1 day ago
With the trailer dropping earlier on Tuesday, all eyes are on Parsons' age after his viral YouTube series is now a full-fledged theatre feature.
1 day ago
The latest trailer of 'Masters of the Universe' sees Jared Leto's chilling and signature Skeletor cackle as he trash-talks He-Man/Prince Adam.
2 days ago