Panic (2000 film)

Plot

Alex (Macy), a sad-eyed mournful man, goes into psychotherapy disclosing that he is a hit man. He also tells the doctor (Ritter) after a few sessions that he is attracted to a young woman he has met in the waiting room. She is Sarah (Campbell), 23, quick, edgy, and perhaps attracted to him as well. But he is married, the dutiful father of a young precocious boy, so Sarah brushes him off. In flashbacks we see him get his start as a killer, at his father's prompting since it is the family business. Dad gives Alex his next assignment: to kill the therapist. Alex keeps returning to Sarah, calling her, stopping by her apartment, as he decides what to do about the hit, his father, his marriage and his malaise.

Cast

Reception

The film received critical acclaim from critics, and holds a 91% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 56 reviews, with a consensus stating "This quirky little film about a gangster in therapy feels fresh and well-crafted." Roger Ebert gave the film four stars. Leonard Maltin gave the film two and a half stars but praised the acting, calling it "excellent." Many critics highlighted on the performances of John Ritter, William H. Macy, and Donald Sutherland, which received heavy praise. Lisa Nesselson of Variety wrote "Pic’s title implies frenzy and wild activity, but the film’s charm evolves from its measured, unhurried rhythms, and originality from the tone: quirky yet convincing, irreverent yet moral."