Exploring Michael Matteo Rossi’s The Charisma Killers (2024)

Plot: When the old mentor of 7 killers finds out he has terminal cancer, he gives them all an opportunity at his fortune to prove themselves for one night only to exact revenge.

Filmmaker Michael Matteo Rossi returns with arguably his best film to date; with a cast that includes action icon Vernon Wells as well as Vanessa Angel and Paul Logan, the awesomely named The Charisma Killers is an indie film with swagger.

As stated above, the story is about the old mentor of 7 killers who finds out he has terminal cancer, so he gives them all an opportunity at his fortune to prove themselves for one night only to exact revenge.

Vernon Wells gives one of his most vulnerable performances to date and despite the people he associates with he is a sympathetic character who we are behind 100%. Paul Logan nearly steals the show as the aptly named Psycho who perhaps enjoys his job a little too much.

This is quite dialogue heavy at times and could have maybe used an extra action scene or two to keep the pacing tighter, but it makes up for it by the end with a bullet riddled finale and some impressive fight scenes.

It’s open for a sequel too which could go in some interesting directions and I would be there for it to see what happens next.

Overall, The Charisma Killers is Michael Matteo Rossi’s best film to date with a great cast and an intriguing story that for the most part keeps you engaged, but it could have used an extra set-piece or two to keep things tighter.