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‘Kate’ Is an Underrated Pedal-to-the-Metal Action Thriller

‘Love Hurts’ Will Entertain Audiences Just Like ‘Kate’

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Woody Harrelson are undeniably two of the silver screen’s most dynamic and compelling performers, and in 2021, the talented duo joined forces to star in the Netflix action thriller Kate, which follows the titular expert assassin and sniper as she sets out on an epic mission for revenge after she is poisoned and learns she has just 24 hours to hunt down the enemies responsible for her impending death. Jonathan Eusebio served as the stunt coordinator for the electrifying flick, leaving his signature flair in the thriller as Winstead dazzled audiences with her physical prowess in the epic action sequences.
Eusebio is set to make his directorial debut with the upcoming action comedy Love Hurts, with beloved cinema staple Ke Huy Quan finally taking on his first leading man role in the lively movie after first kick-starting his Hollywood career over 40 years ago. Audiences who are excited to check out Love Hurts in theaters should also check out the underrated thriller Kate in preparation, as it will provide a taste of what they can expect from the film’s action and entertainment when the comedy makes its debut on February 7, 2025.

Kate

Release Date

September 10, 2021

Runtime

106 minutes

Director

Cedric Nicolas-Troyan

Writers

Umair Aleem

Mary Elizabeth Winstead once again embraced her butt-kicking roots when she brilliantly portrayed a lethal assassin who faces one dangerous obstacle after another in the rip-roaring 2021 action thriller Kate, which focuses on the titular killing machine and expert sniper as she is tasked with eliminating a high-ranking yakuza boss by her trusted mentor and longtime handler Varrick (Woody Harrelson). When the high-stakes mission surprisingly goes awry, Kate vows to complete one last job for Varrick before leaving the violent profession behind, only to make the horrific discovery that she’s been poisoned.

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With less than a day left to live and her body deteriorating more and more by the hour, Kate embarks upon a bloody rampage to exact her revenge on the people responsible for her impending demise as stunning revelations are ultimately revealed. Kate finds herself developing an unlikely bond with Ani (Miku Martineau), the daughter of one of her previous victims and the teenage niece of a notorious Japanese crime boss, and together, the duo set out to take out their adversaries before Kate’s time (and life) runs out.
Kate is an underrated Netflix action flick that may heavily lean into past assassin movie clichés but nonetheless touts a powerhouse performance by Winstead, who has previously showcased her physical prowess as The Huntress in the DCEU’s Birds of Prey. The thriller puts the dynamic actress front and center as she meticulously takes down one enemy after another, showing off her undeniable charisma, fearless attitude, and biting humor as the savvy hitwoman, performing most of her own stunts with the guidance of future Love Hurts director Jonathan Eusebio.
‘Love Hurts’ Will Entertain Audiences Just Like ‘Kate’

The highly-anticipated action comedy Love Hurts marks the directorial debut of Jonathan Eusebio, a seasoned stunt choreographer and coordinator who has worked on a slew of blockbuster hits, including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, The Fall Guy, the Fast & Furious franchise, as well as multiple John Wick films, while also serving as an assistant director. The exhilarating combat sequences and bold action scenes truly stand out in each of these massive silver screen knockouts, and Eusebio’s signature touch is obvious in every movie he offers his expertise on; Love Hurts will likely be no exception as he is working with the phenomenal Ke Huy Quan.
Not only will the action comedy mark Eusebio’s directing debut, but it also serves as Quan’s first leading man role in his 40-year career, as he previously appeared as supporting characters in fan-favorite flicks like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and most recently Everything Everywhere All at Once (for which he also won an Academy Award). Quan took a nearly 20-year hiatus during which he too worked as a stunt choreographer and assistant director, notably collaborating on the 2000 superhero extravaganza X-Men.

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Audiences are already buzzing about Love Hurts, and although critics have voiced their dissatisfaction with its convoluted plot and run-of-the-mill elements, they can’t deny the star power Quan provides and the delightful earnestness and charm he naturally brings to the table. Fans of Love Hurts should revisit the gripping thriller Kate as it too features explosive action sequences, a commanding lead character, and a stellar supporting cast, and it provides viewers with a look at what they can expect from the upcoming Kuan action comedy. In an interview with Screen Anarchy ahead of the release of Love Hurts, Eusebio said of his directing experience:

“It was a big transition. When you’re doing like second unit, the rules of the universe are already there. When you become the director, you have to create those rules…I wasn’t involved with day-to-day moves and training actors, but I’m always working with my stunt team. We come up with concepts and we talk over things every day. And I’m still very hands-on with the action.”

Stream Kate on Netflix. Love Hurts is now playing in theaters.