Memory of a Killer: A Hitman Losing His Mind – And Control

At first glance, Memory of a Killer sounds like a familiar crime setup: a professional hitman caught in a dangerous world of contracts and corruption. But this Belgian series quickly proves it’s something much more personal — and much darker.

The story centers on Angelo Ledda, a contract killer who has survived for years by being precise, disciplined, and emotionally detached. Then he’s diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In most professions, memory loss is tragic. In his line of work, it’s fatal.

What makes the show compelling isn’t just the criminal underworld, but the slow psychological collapse of a man who can no longer trust his own mind. The tension doesn’t rely on constant action. Instead, it builds from uncertainty. Did he finish the job? Did he make a mistake? Is someone manipulating him? Or is his own brain betraying him?

The series is based on the novel by Jef Geeraerts, and you can feel that literary depth in the storytelling. It’s moody, character-driven, and not afraid to sit in uncomfortable moments. There’s violence, yes — but the real weight of the show comes from watching a man lose his identity piece by piece.

So is it good TV? If you’re looking for fast-paced action or flashy crime drama, this might feel slow. But if you enjoy European noir, morally grey characters, and stories that mix crime with psychological drama, it’s absolutely worth your time. The atmosphere is tense, the performances feel grounded, and the premise alone makes it stand out in a crowded thriller market.

Memory of a Killer is best suited for viewers who like serious, mature crime series — something closer in tone to Nordic or Belgian crime dramas rather than mainstream American thrillers.

As for where to watch it, availability depends on your country. The series originally aired in Belgium and can be found on select European streaming platforms. In some regions, it’s available for digital rental or purchase, so it’s worth checking major platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV in your area.

In the end, Memory of a Killer works because it isn’t just about crime. It’s about control, fear, aging, and what happens when the one thing you rely on most — your memory — starts slipping away. And that makes it far more unsettling than a typical hitman story.