The Internship (2026) Review: Dark CIA Assassin Thriller Explained

Sponsored

source: tv.lk21

Published: January 16, 2026 | Edited: August 29, 2026

Synopsis:

The Internship (2026), wait — this has nothing to do with the 2013 comedy film starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. This is an R-rated action film. It’s an American action thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. Directed by James Bamford and written by J.D.Zeik. It was released digitally on January 13, 2026. The film features many talented young actors.

The story focuses on Renee. She is a "graduate" of an unofficial, secret CIA program called "The Internship" with the codename Catalyst. The program transforms orphaned children into elite assassins from a young age. Years after being recruited, Renee rebels. She seeks out her former peers and then leads an uprising to destroy the institution that made her. She gathers her fellow "interns" to take down the program from within. But the CIA does not stand idly by. They deploy deadly force to stop this bloody rebellion. The film explores inner conflict, betrayal, and revenge in a dark world of espionage. In short: student vs. creator.

This film has received mixed reviews, starting with its dark and edgy premise. The idea of the CIA training orphans to become assassins is instantly intriguing. It gives off a Nikita + Hanna meets John Wick vibe. 

Producer Steven Paul called the film "an action film with a sharp edge that invests heavily in character development." With a tight 91-minute runtime, it’s perfect for viewers who like fast-paced action thrillers without filler. It also stars young actors who already have names: Lizzy Greene from A Million Little Things, Megan Boone from The Blacklist, and Sky Katz from Raven’s Home. Plus the reunion of PhilipWinchester & Sullivan Stapleton from the series Strike Back.

However, the film is not without criticism. Critics say the film falls short in execution. They described it as: "simplistic, childish and underwritten script." "Lack of subtlety, obnoxious camera work, mostly-amateur performances." "Boring action scenes." In short: the idea is good but the execution feels lacking. The film "thinks too highly of itself." So the expectations are high but the result is just average.

This film stars: Lizzy Greene, Megan Boone, Sullivan Stapleton, Phillip Winchester and more.

In my opinion:

Sponsored

From the moment it starts, tense action is served. The lead actor appears immediately and gets to work. In truth, the film is decent and has an interesting story idea. It’s a shame that the action scenes feel half-baked. Even though it has a good premise, I can only rate this film as a modern B-movie.

Each character is underdeveloped, even though they each have unique traits and skills. The story is good, but it moves too fast. As a result, the film ends with a bland climax. Still, the film is a good starting point for these young actors.

If you like B-movie action-thrillers with the premise of "secret government program + rebellion," The Internship can be a decent 1.5-hour watch to kill time. But don’t expect it to be on the level of John Wick or Atomic Blonde. It’s good for fans of Lizzy Greene, spy or assassin movie lovers, and anyone who wants something light with some gunfights. It’s less suitable for viewers looking for deep storytelling, strong acting, and polished action choreography.

For this one is 6/10.

Knowledge Corner:

Do you know the history of hitmen or assassins? I’m going to tell you the short version, from history to pop culture. The word "assassin" comes from the 11th century, from the group known as the Hashashin or Nizari Ismaili in Persia. They were led by Hasan bin Sabbah and their headquarters was at Alamut Castle. Stories from the West say they drank "hashish" before missions, which is why they were called hashashin and over time it became assassin. Their main job: to secretly assassinate political targets and important enemy figures to create a sense of fear.

In general, a "hitman" is a person who is paid to kill a specific target. This is different from a soldier or an executioner. They have a specific target, not random. Usually politicians, businessmen, witnesses, or rivals. Of course, there is a reward for this job. There is a "client" who orders and pays. The identities of both the killer and the target are hidden. The goal is not just to eliminate the target, but also to instill fear in other groups.

Sponsored

These assassins are not always solo. There are famous groups in the world, such as:

1. Hashashin - 11th to 13th Century. The first group to use systematic political assassination. Their weapon was a dagger, and they would often infiltrate for years.
2. Japanese Ninja - 15th to 17th Century. Often called "assins or assassin" in pop culture. Their original job: spying, sabotage, and eliminating targets for their clan.
3. The Mafia and Modern Crime Syndicates. 20th Century to Present. They use hitmen to "take care of business problems." They are usually recruited from within the organization.
4. State Intelligence Operations. Many countries have special units for "targeted elimination" during the Cold War. The most famous examples: Mossad, KGB. This falls under military or state secrets.

In the real world, hitmen are extremely rare, highly secretive, and heavily prosecuted by law in every country. But in movies, games, and books, they become icons because of their mystery, extraordinary skills, and code of ethics. Films like John Wick, the game Assassin's Creed, and the novel The Day of the Jackal draw inspiration from the history of the Hashashin + with added fictional elements.

In every country, becoming a hitman or assassin carries severe criminal charges. The charge is premeditated murder can carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. So this article is purely for historical knowledge and to understand why this theme often appears in media.