Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) (2018) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) (2018) is a dark comedy directed by Tom Edmunds, blending British wit, dry humor, and a somewhat macabre storyline. Starring Tom Wilkinson, Aneurin Barnard, and Freya Mavor, this quirky film offers a humorous yet thought-provoking take on life, death, and second chances. With its blend of sharp dialogue, oddball characters, and absurd situations, Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) delivers a unique viewing experience.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, characters, and performances, while highlighting where you can stream or rent it online, especially in the U.S.
Plot Summary of Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back)
The film follows William (Aneurin Barnard), a young writer plagued by depression and struggling to find success. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to end his own life, William hires Leslie (Tom Wilkinson), an aging hitman who works for a mysterious “assisted suicide” organization. Leslie, who is on the brink of forced retirement for not hitting his kill quota, eagerly takes on William as his latest client. The contract stipulates that William will be dead within a week, or he gets his money back.
However, as fate would have it, William begins to find new reasons to live. When he meets Ellie (Freya Mavor), a charming literary agent who shows interest in both him and his writing, William’s outlook on life begins to change. Unfortunately, by this time, Leslie is already on the job, and the clock is ticking.
As William tries to call off the hit, Leslie is determined to fulfill his contract, despite his growing affection for the young man. What ensues is a series of comical and increasingly absurd situations as William tries to avoid his untimely demise, while Leslie wrestles with his own conscience about completing the job.
Performance and Direction
Tom Wilkinson shines as Leslie, the aging assassin grappling with his diminishing relevance in a profession that, ironically, values efficiency over empathy. Wilkinson’s performance is understated and nuanced, bringing a sense of humanity to a character who could have easily been portrayed as a one-dimensional killer. His interactions with William range from darkly funny to surprisingly heartfelt, creating an unexpected emotional depth.
Aneurin Barnard as William offers a believable portrayal of a young man dealing with existential despair, giving the character both vulnerability and wit. His journey from despair to finding a renewed sense of purpose is at the heart of the film, and Barnard handles the emotional ups and downs with a deft touch.
Freya Mavor’s character, Ellie, provides a source of light for William. Though her role is more limited, she injects warmth and sincerity into the story, serving as the catalyst for William’s realization that life might be worth living after all.
Director Tom Edmunds blends dark humor with a surprisingly uplifting narrative. The tone is carefully balanced; while the premise revolves around death, the film never feels too heavy or grim. Instead, it uses the absurdity of the situation to highlight the value of life, purpose, and human connection. Edmunds’ direction is tight, and the film’s pacing ensures that the humor and tension build naturally as the story progresses.
Themes and Humor
Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) is a dark comedy, but beneath its morbid premise, the film explores deeper themes about life, death, and finding meaning. The humor comes from the absurdity of William’s situation: trying to back out of a death contract he initiated, and dealing with a professional assassin who is equally committed to his job.
The film plays with the idea of control—both in life and death. William’s desire to control how and when he dies is upended by his evolving perspective, while Leslie’s rigid adherence to his code of professionalism is softened as he begins to see William not just as a target but as a person.
There’s a certain irony in the film’s approach to death, as William—who was so determined to die—finds himself trying harder and harder to stay alive. It’s a reminder that life, with all its unpredictability, often presents hope when least expected.
The humor is quintessentially British—dry, understated, and darkly funny. While the subject matter might seem grim, the film avoids becoming morose, instead leaning into the absurdity of its premise with witty dialogue and sharp comedic timing.
Critical Reception
Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) received generally positive reviews for its unique blend of dark humor and heart. Critics praised the film for its clever script, engaging performances, and ability to balance comedy with more serious themes about life and death. Tom Wilkinson’s performance, in particular, was widely lauded for bringing depth and warmth to an otherwise cold-blooded character.
However, some critics felt the film’s tone occasionally wavered between dark comedy and sentimentality, with moments of genuine emotion sometimes clashing with the more absurd comedic elements. Still, most reviews acknowledged that the film successfully delivered a thoughtful and entertaining story about life, even when it revolves around death.
Streaming Services to Watch Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) (2018) Online
As of 2024, Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) is available on several streaming platforms, giving viewers a range of options to watch this dark comedy.
1. Amazon Prime Video
You can rent or purchase Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) on Amazon Prime Video. The rental price typically starts at $3.99, while purchasing the film costs around $9.99. Amazon Prime Video is accessible on a wide variety of devices, making it a convenient option for streaming.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers the film for both rent and purchase. The rental price is around $3.99, and purchasing the film costs about $9.99. This platform is ideal for those who prefer watching via Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs.
3. Google Play Movies
Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) is also available on Google Play Movies. You can rent it for $3.99 or purchase it for approximately $9.99. Google Play Movies offers streaming on Android devices, Chromecast, and web browsers.
4. Vudu
Vudu provides the film for rent and purchase at standard pricing. Rental prices start at $3.99, and purchasing the movie costs around $9.99. Vudu offers HD and 4K streaming options for users seeking higher video quality.
5. YouTube Movies
You can also find Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) on YouTube Movies for rent or purchase. Rentals are priced at $3.99, and purchasing the movie costs $9.99. YouTube Movies is accessible across many devices, making it a flexible option for viewers.
Final Thoughts on Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) (2018)
Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) offers a fresh take on the often dark subject of suicide, turning it into a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of life’s unexpected twists. Anchored by strong performances from Tom Wilkinson and Aneurin Barnard, the film blends dark comedy with genuine moments of warmth and introspection.
The film’s quirky premise, witty dialogue, and engaging characters make it an enjoyable watch for fans of British dark comedies. While it deals with serious topics like depression and death, it does so with a light touch that emphasizes the importance of human connection and the unpredictability of life.
Where to Watch Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) Online – Summary
As of 2024, you can stream Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back) on Amazon Prime Video, and it’s also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, with purchase options around $9.99. Whether you’re in the mood for a dark comedy with a quirky edge or a film that offers a different perspective on life and death, this movie provides a memorable and entertaining experience.
