Keeley Hawes is a foul-mouthed James Bond in slick thriller The Assassin

Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express.

The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job.

However, there's a significant hitch: Julie's estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she's a simple head hunter.

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What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect.

This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC's tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes' last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV's heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu.

However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly.

The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing.

Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits.

The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show.

Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease.

The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel.

Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist's Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake.

However, this isn't your typical thriller - there's a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline.

The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers' razor-sharp writing skills.

From Julie being dubbed a "menopausal James Bond" to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father "isn't Mamma Mia", The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives.

Sometimes you'll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly.

The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin - this is a genuine winner.

Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.

The Assassin is available to stream on Prime Video now