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

As 2025 comes to a close, it is worthwhile to take your pick from any of the movies listed below for the perfect cosy NYE
2 days ago
Marvel recently officially released the second 'Avengers: Doomsday' teaser featuring Chris Hemsworth's Thor
2 days ago
The ‘Predator’ saga takes a daring turn as its latest chapter heads to digital, bringing a dangerous alien world and high-stakes survival home
2 days ago
Director Emma Tammi's comments suggest fans may have to wait a little longer for the third installment
2 days ago
The sci-fi flick, serving as the standalone sequel to 'Tron: Legacy,' hit theatres this October
2 days ago
Rumors suggest a fifth trailer in the offing after the previous reports stated four new teasers
3 days ago
The fantasy feature will be available to buy on Prime Video starting at midnight ET on December 30
3 days ago
Directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks, the movie takes co-dependency to its extreme while skilfully combining the nightmarish elements of body horror
3 days ago
'Avengers: Doomsday' has so far released three new teaser trailers and is expected to drop a fourth
3 days ago
Directed by Johannes Roberts, the film follows a group of friends terrorised by a violent chimpanzee
3 days ago