Killing Them Softly

Killing Them Softly is a 2012 American neo-noir crime film written and directed by Andrew Dominik, and starring Brad Pitt. It is based on George V. Higgins's 1974 novel Cogan's Trade. The story follows Jackie Cogan, a hitman who is hired to deal with the aftermath of a Mafia poker game robbery that ruptured the criminal economy. The events are set during the 2008 United States presidential election and the 2008 financial crisis. Also starring in the film are Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, Richard Jenkins, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, and Sam Shepard. On May 22, 2012, the film premiered in competition for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and received positive early reviews. Killing Them Softly was released on November 30, 2012, domestically by the Weinstein Company and internationally by Inferno Distribution, to mostly positive reviews. It grossed $37.9 million against a budget of $15 million.