The Accountant

A math genius with high-functioning autism (taciturn Ben Affleck) specializes in tracing financial irregularities. His current job examining the books of a high-tech company makes him and a hapless bookkeeper (nerdy-cute Anna Kendrick) targets for murder—so it’s a good thing he’s also a ruthless professional killer. Written by Bill Dubuque and directed by Gavin O’Connor, the movie is a complex puzzle that keeps us interested, even spellbound, without ever letting us worry about how little it tells us about the main character, his back story—or, for that matter, his present situation. Stylish and slick in the best sense of both words, it makes us welcome the idea of a franchise. (One is clearly intended.) J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor and John Lithgow highlight a strong supporting cast. J.L.