Killers (2010)

Last updated:
August 13, 2025

Killers (2010), directed by Robert Luketic, is a romantic action-comedy that blends suburban life with secret-agent intrigue. Starring Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher, the film follows an unsuspecting wife who learns her charming husband has been hiding a lethal secret.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Meet Cute in the French Riviera

The film begins with Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl), a recently heartbroken woman on vacation with her parents in the French Riviera. There, she meets the impossibly handsome Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher). What Jen doesn’t know is that Spencer is actually a government hitman on an assignment. The romantic atmosphere sweeps them off their feet, and within three years, they’re married and living in the suburbs.

The Perfect Marriage – Or Not

Life appears blissful until Spencer’s past catches up with him. After a night out, Spencer finds out that there’s a $20 million bounty on his head, and multiple neighbors—yes, the friendly people from around the block—are actually assassins waiting for the chance to collect. Jen quickly becomes caught up in his dangerous world, discovering her husband’s former career in the most chaotic way possible.

A Suburban Battlefield

The couple must fend off waves of attacks from unexpected sources: friends, co-workers, even the sweet couple next door. In between the gunfights and car chases, Jen struggles to process that her loving husband has been lying to her for years. The action sequences mix slapstick humor with genuine stakes, as the pair try to survive without losing their sanity—or marriage.

The Truth About Spencer’s Past

Jen learns Spencer quit being a hitman the day he met her, breaking ties with his handler. But the contract on his life was never lifted, making them constant targets. Eventually, they’re forced to confront the man who issued the bounty.

Movie Ending

In the climax, Spencer and Jen discover that the person behind the bounty is none other than Jen’s own father, Mr. Kornfeldt (Tom Selleck), a government operative who never approved of Spencer marrying his daughter. He orchestrated the whole thing to test whether Spencer could protect her—and survive in the process.

A final standoff in the Kornfeldt home reveals Mr. Kornfeldt’s conflicted motives. He eventually calls off the bounty when Jen declares she’s staying with Spencer no matter what. The surviving assassins retreat, and the family awkwardly sits down for breakfast the next morning as if nothing happened. Spencer and Jen share a moment of relief, with their marriage intact, but now with the clear understanding that danger could always be around the corner.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Killers does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story is fully wrapped up, and there’s no hidden tag or teaser for a sequel.

Type of Movie

Killers is a romantic action-comedy that mixes spy-thriller elements with lighthearted domestic humor.

Cast

Ashton Kutcher as Spencer Aimes
Katherine Heigl as Jen Kornfeldt-Aimes
Tom Selleck as Mr. Kornfeldt
Catherine O’Hara as Mrs. Kornfeldt
Katheryn Winnick as Vivian
Kevin Sussman as Mac Bailey

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Rolfe Kent, known for crafting playful yet suspenseful music that balances the romance and action beats. The soundtrack also features a mix of upbeat pop and jazzy cues fitting the comedic tone.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in:

Nice, France – Used for the opening romance scenes in the Riviera. This location sets up the glamorous “spy movie” feel before shifting to suburban America.
Atlanta, Georgia, USA – Doubled for the suburban neighborhood where most of the action takes place.
These contrasting settings help underline the shift from Spencer’s exciting past to his seemingly dull present.

Awards and Nominations

The film was not a major awards contender but did receive nominations at the Teen Choice Awards for its lead performances and chemistry between Kutcher and Heigl.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Ashton Kutcher did several of his own stunts, including some fight scenes.
Katherine Heigl was pregnant during part of production and had to carefully schedule physical scenes.
The chemistry between Kutcher and Heigl was a selling point in the marketing campaign.
Director Robert Luketic wanted to make a film that was “Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets suburban comedy.”

Inspirations and References

While not based on a specific book, Killers draws clear inspiration from spy comedies and romance-action hybrids like True Lies and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A few deleted scenes exist, including extended comedic banter between Spencer and Jen, and an alternate opening sequence showing more of Spencer’s last assassination job before meeting Jen. None significantly alter the plot.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is an original screenplay and not adapted from a novel, so there are no book-to-screen differences.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Spencer meeting Jen in the elevator in France, complete with awkward small talk.
The backyard BBQ that turns into a chaotic gunfight.
Jen driving the getaway car while freaking out over Spencer’s confession.
The reveal that Jen’s father was behind the bounty.

Iconic Quotes

Jen: “You were spying on me?”
Spencer: “I was not spying. I was observing. Secretly. From a distance.”
Mr. Kornfeldt: “I protect my daughter. Sometimes from herself.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Spencer’s car in the early scenes is a nod to classic spy vehicles, complete with hidden compartments.
The suburban house number is “47,” a subtle wink to Agent 47 from the Hitman franchise.
The fruit bowl in the Kornfeldt kitchen changes between scenes—a small continuity joke from the crew.

Trivia

Tom Selleck joined the cast late in production after the role of Mr. Kornfeldt was rewritten to be more intimidating.
Ashton Kutcher also served as a producer on the film.
The production filmed in Atlanta during one of its hottest summers, causing delays in outdoor shoots.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies but want more action and spy intrigue, Killers offers an easy-to-watch blend of charm, gunfights, and suburban satire. It’s not a high-stakes thriller, but it delivers enough laughs and twists to keep a casual audience entertained.

Killers (2010)