Kate

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 10, 2021

Genre
Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Kate
• Woody Harrelson as Varrick
• Miku Martineau as Ani
• Tadanobu Asano as Renji
• Michiel Huisman as Stephen
• Jun Kunimura as Kijima

Director
Cedric Nicolas-Troyan

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)
• Visual effects work on Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Producer
Kelly McCormick, Bryan Unkeless, Patrick Newall, David Leitch

Writer
Umair Aleem

Budget
$25 million

Production Company
Netflix, 87North Productions, Clubhouse Pictures

Running Time
106 minutes

Languages
English, Japanese

Maturity Rating
R (for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and brief sexual content)

Content Advisory

• Intense and graphic violence
• Strong language
• Brief sexual content
• Depictions of drug use

Movie Story
Kate follows the story of an elite assassin named Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who is at the top of her game until she is ruthlessly poisoned during a mission in Tokyo. Realizing she has less than 24 hours to live, Kate embarks on a relentless quest for revenge against the people responsible for her imminent death. As the clock ticks down, she must navigate the neon-lit underworld of Tokyo, using her deadly skills to confront gangsters, corrupt officials, and other dangerous adversaries.

As Kate pushes herself to the limit in her pursuit of vengeance, she forms an unexpected bond with Ani (Miku Martineau), the teenage daughter of one of her past targets. Ani becomes both a moral compass and a vital ally, as Kate’s body deteriorates and her sense of mortality intensifies. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that reveals shocking truths about Kate’s life and the people she trusted.

The film blends high-octane action sequences with moments of emotional depth, as Kate battles not just her enemies but also her own guilt and regrets. Set against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of Tokyo, Kate is a stylish and intense action-thriller that explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the human cost of a life spent in violence.

Special Effects
Kate is packed with intense action scenes, featuring expertly choreographed fight sequences, car chases, and shootouts. The special effects are seamlessly integrated into the action, with a strong emphasis on practical stunts that heighten the realism and visceral impact of the violence. The film also uses CGI to enhance certain scenes, particularly those involving Kate’s deteriorating health and the Tokyo skyline, but it is the physicality of the action that stands out.

Box Office Performance
Kate was released exclusively on Netflix, bypassing a traditional box office run. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was generally praised for Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s performance and the stylized action sequences. It found an audience among fans of action films and those who enjoy revenge thrillers, becoming a popular title on the streaming platform upon its release.

Filming Locations

• Tokyo, Japan
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m Kate. I’m poisoned. I’ve got 24 hours to live.” – Kate
• “You can’t be scared of dying if you want to kill your way to the truth.” – Kate
• “There’s no time to die. There’s only time to kill.” – Kate

Behind-the-Scenes

• Mary Elizabeth Winstead performed many of her own stunts, drawing on her previous action roles to bring authenticity to the character of Kate.
• The film’s neon-soaked visuals were inspired by classic Japanese cinema and anime, contributing to its unique visual style.
• Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan worked closely with stunt coordinators to ensure that the action scenes were both brutal and grounded, reflecting Kate’s desperation and determination.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
Kate is a fast-paced, visually striking action-thriller that delivers on the promise of its premise. While the plot may follow familiar revenge-thriller tropes, the film’s stylish direction, intense action sequences, and a strong lead performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead make it an entertaining watch. Fans of the genre will appreciate its gritty atmosphere and relentless pace, even if the story itself doesn’t break new ground.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10