Gregory Hatanaka’s Kill Plan is a lean, 1-hour-and-12-minute action ride that doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not—and in its own way, that’s part of its charm. The story follows jaded CIA agent Nash (Jason Toler) as he races against time to recover the deadly nerve agent XZ-9 and thwart a rogue government plot to wipe out humanity. It’s a simple, high-stakes setup, executed with a scrappy, low-budget energy that fans of Hatanaka will recognize and appreciate.
One of the film’s strongest points is its cast. The female leads, including Sarah Brine and Craijece Danielle, bring both style and presence to the screen, and Benny Tjandra’s portrayal of Mr. Wan is absolutely electrifying—whenever he appears, the film comes alive. The short runtime is another plus, making it a breezy watch for those looking for quick, unpretentious action.
Yes, the movie has its flaws. The CIA office feels sparsely staffed, security is nonexistent despite multiple breaches, and the XZ-9 nerve agent looks more like dish soap than a lethal weapon. Some visual shortcuts, like sped-up fight scenes and recycled aerial shots, are noticeable, and corrupt agent Winston’s single suit might raise eyebrows. The exposition-heavy sequences in plain rooms can drag, pushing the film toward “not even fun” trash territory at times. But if you’re a connoisseur of Hatanaka’s particular brand of low-budget, chaotic charm, these quirks become part of the experience rather than dealbreakers.
Ultimately, Kill Plan is dumb fun done its own way. It’s not perfect, but it delivers moments of intensity, charisma, and sheer oddball energy—especially whenever Mr. Wan steps into the frame. For fans of offbeat, low-budget action thrillers, it’s worth the ride.
Jessie Hobson