Assassination Nation (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Assassination Nation (2018) is a bold, provocative thriller that takes an unflinching look at the dangers of digital privacy breaches, mob mentality, and the violent consequences of living in an era of pervasive social media. Directed by Sam Levinson (Euphoria), the film combines elements of dark satire, social commentary, and hyper-stylized violence, creating a visually striking and intense narrative.
In this review, we’ll dive into the plot, performances, themes, and reception of Assassination Nation. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream, rent, or purchase the film online in 2024.
Plot Summary of Assassination Nation
Set in the small, suburban town of Salem (a modern nod to the infamous Salem witch trials), Assassination Nation follows a group of high school girls—Lily (Odessa Young), Bex (Hari Nef), Em (Abra), and Sarah (Suki Waterhouse)—as their lives are turned upside down by a massive data hack.
The plot begins with an anonymous hacker exposing the private digital lives of the town’s citizens. At first, the leaked information includes texts, emails, photos, and videos of prominent figures like the mayor and the school principal. The public reacts with outrage and moral superiority as personal secrets and scandalous details come to light.
However, the situation escalates rapidly when the entire town’s private data is hacked, and everyone’s personal information is laid bare for the world to see. Social media, texts, and search histories—everything is exposed. As people’s darkest secrets are revealed, Salem descends into chaos, and a violent mob mentality takes over.
Lily, one of the film’s central characters, becomes the prime target of the town’s rage after her own personal information is leaked, including an affair with an older man. Blamed for the hack and accused of destroying the town’s moral fabric, she and her friends are hunted down in a series of brutal and nightmarish confrontations. What starts as a cautionary tale about digital privacy quickly spirals into a violent fight for survival.
Performance and Direction
Odessa Young delivers a compelling and emotionally charged performance as Lily, the protagonist at the center of the film’s chaos. Young’s portrayal effectively captures the vulnerability and fear of a young woman whose private life is weaponized against her, as well as the strength she finds to fight back when pushed to the brink.
Hari Nef’s portrayal of Bex, a transgender teen who faces her own share of discrimination and violence, adds depth to the narrative, bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by marginalized individuals in the digital age. Bex’s story arc is powerful, showing resilience in the face of personal and societal attacks.
Director Sam Levinson’s style is highly visual and experimental, often using neon lighting, split screens, and slow motion to create an atmosphere of heightened tension and surrealism. Levinson’s direction is frenetic and fast-paced, giving the film an urgency that mirrors the chaotic breakdown of social order in the town of Salem. His use of violence is graphic and unapologetic, designed to shock and provoke viewers.
The film’s pacing is relentless, and Levinson doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of mob mentality and the terrifying consequences of internet culture. The hyper-stylized violence and aggressive tone make the movie both visually captivating and disturbingly relevant.
Themes and Social Commentary
At its core, Assassination Nation is a film about the dangers of living in a hyper-connected digital world where privacy is an illusion and the internet can be weaponized to destroy lives. The movie critiques modern society’s obsession with social media, online shaming, and the ease with which people turn against each other when secrets are exposed.
The parallels to the Salem witch trials are obvious and deliberate—just as the women of Salem were persecuted for perceived moral transgressions, the girls in Assassination Nation are hunted down for their personal choices and sexual histories. The film explores how the same puritanical tendencies still exist in modern society, amplified by the anonymity and cruelty of the internet.
The film also touches on issues of gender, misogyny, and the double standards women face in society. Lily and her friends are vilified for their sexuality and personal choices, while the men in their lives face little to no repercussions for similar behavior. Assassination Nation doesn’t hold back in its critique of patriarchy and how women are often disproportionately blamed and punished for societal breakdowns.
Critical Reception
Assassination Nation received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising its boldness, visual style, and social commentary, while others criticized its over-the-top violence and chaotic narrative. The film currently holds a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus stating that “bold, bloody, and stylish, Assassination Nation is an over-the-top teen revenge fantasy that functions as a razor-sharp critique of modern social media culture.”
Critics who enjoyed the film often highlighted its dark humor, biting satire, and willingness to tackle difficult subjects like online privacy, mob mentality, and the treatment of women in the digital age. However, some reviewers felt that the film’s frenetic pace and graphic violence overshadowed its message, making it difficult for audiences to fully engage with the deeper themes at play.
Despite the divisive critical reception, Assassination Nation has garnered a cult following, particularly among fans of provocative and visually striking cinema.
Streaming Services to Watch Assassination Nation (2018) Online
As of 2024, Assassination Nation is available on several major streaming platforms in the U.S. Here’s where you can watch the film:
1. Hulu
Hulu offers Assassination Nation as part of its streaming library for subscribers. The platform provides a range of subscription plans, including options with or without ads, making it a convenient option for viewers looking to stream the film.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Assassination Nation is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, and purchasing the movie in HD costs around $9.99. Amazon Prime Video offers access across various devices, making it a great option for those looking to stream the movie on demand.
3. Apple TV
Apple TV provides Assassination Nation for rental at $3.99 and for purchase at around $9.99. Apple’s platform is ideal for viewers who prefer to watch through their Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
4. Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies offers the film for both rent and purchase. Rentals start at $3.99, and purchasing the movie costs around $9.99. The platform is easily accessible on Android devices, Chromecast, and web browsers.
5. Vudu
Vudu provides the movie for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $9.99. Known for its high-quality streaming options, including HD and 4K, Vudu is a great choice for viewers looking for the best possible viewing experience.
6. YouTube Movies
You can also rent or purchase Assassination Nation on YouTube Movies. Rentals are typically $3.99, and purchasing the movie costs around $9.99. YouTube Movies is available on nearly any device, making it highly versatile for streaming.
Final Thoughts on Assassination Nation (2018)
Assassination Nation is not for the faint of heart. It’s a hyper-violent, visually intense film that holds a mirror to modern society, reflecting the dangers of online privacy violations, digital shaming, and mob mentality. While its over-the-top violence and chaotic narrative may not appeal to everyone, it’s undeniably a bold and thought-provoking movie that tackles timely and relevant issues.
For those who enjoy dark satire and films that challenge the status quo, Assassination Nation offers a visually striking and provocative viewing experience. Its message about the dangers of the internet age and the consequences of living in a world where nothing stays private feels more relevant than ever in 2024.
Where to Watch Assassination Nation Online – Summary
As of 2024, Assassination Nation is available to stream on Hulu and can be rented or purchased through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, and purchase options are around $9.99. If you’re looking for a bold, visually arresting film that critiques modern society, Assassination Nation is well worth checking out.
