Armed with charisma and charm, wrestling superstar-turned-actor Dave Bautista takes aim at moviegoers’ emotions as a lethal loner in need of love. In the 2022 action comedy The Killer’s Game, Bautista plays Joe Flood, an elite assassin based in Budapest who finds his cold-blooded lifestyle thawed by a captivating dance.

Joe’s latest contract goes awry when he rescues ballet performer Maizie from the ensuing chaos, sparking an unexpected romance. But continuing their affair grows complicated after Joe’s doctor diagnoses him with a terminal illness. Believing himself on death’s door, Joe hatches a plan to provide for Maizie financially after arranging for his own assassination.

Of course, as with any hitman plot, nothing goes quite according to plan. Joe’s medical prognosis dramatically reverses just as the hired guns close in. Though he tries calling off the contract, the vindictive broker doubles down on the bounty. With an army...