Sniper: Assassin’s End (2020): Father-Son Sharpshooters in a Conspiracy Thriller
Sniper: Assassin’s End is the eighth installment in the long-running Sniper action film series. Directed by Kaare Andrews, it stars Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett and Tom Berenger reprising his role as Thomas Beckett, his legendary sniper father. The film runs for approximately 95 minutes and offers a blend of military intrigue, close-quarter combat, and sharp-shooting action.
The plot follows Brandon Beckett, a U.S. Special Ops sniper who finds himself framed for the assassination of a foreign diplomat. All evidence, including planted DNA, points to him. Pursued by his own government and multiple intelligence agencies, Brandon must go on the run. He teams up with his estranged father, Thomas Beckett, to uncover the real perpetrators and prove his innocence. Together, they must face off against deadly Russian mercenaries, corrupt CIA agents, and a lethal Yakuza-trained assassin known only as Lady Death.
Chad Michael Collins continues his role from previous entries, delivering a grounded, action-oriented performance. Tom Berenger brings gravitas and nostalgia to his role, having originated the Beckett legacy in the 1993 Sniper film. The dynamic between father and son is one of the film’s stronger elements, adding emotional weight to the otherwise straightforward action-thriller plot. Sayaka Akimoto stands out as Lady Death, providing one of the more physically intense and stylistically memorable characters in the series.
The film was shot primarily in Vancouver and features both English and Japanese dialogue. Though clearly a low- to mid-budget production, it manages to deliver polished action scenes and competent direction. The pacing is solid early on but tends to lag in the second half, with some repetitive beats and predictable twists.
Critics and audiences offered mixed reactions. Fans of the franchise generally appreciated the continued focus on sniper tactics and military protocol, though many agreed that the script is clichéd and the plot beats overly familiar. While the film introduces new characters and lays groundwork for future installments, it often lacks the tension and originality that made earlier entries stand out.
Still, Assassin’s End offers a few memorable moments—particularly a standoff between Brandon and Lady Death, and a climactic long-range sniper shot by Thomas Beckett that reminds viewers why he remains one of the most iconic marksmen in action cinema. The film closes with clear setup for sequels, including Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022) and Sniper: G.R.I.T. (2023), both of which continue the stories of Agent Zero and Lady Death.
In conclusion, Sniper: Assassin’s End is a functional entry in the franchise that appeals mostly to longtime fans. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it maintains the familiar tone and character-driven focus that have defined the series. With a mix of old-school action and light espionage, it’s a serviceable chapter in the Beckett family saga—watchable, if not especially memorable.
