Knox Goes Away | How to Watch Online Free & Streaming on U-NEXT, Hulu & Disney+, Michael Keaton, Al Pacino

“Is there a way to watch ‘Assassin’s Plot’ for free?”
I’ll answer that question by cross-comparing the latest streaming trends and money-saving campaigns.
From pre/post-release streaming schedule predictions to smart ways to use free trials, plus a careful guide to the transition from “theatrical release → digital release → subscription.”
Whether you want the conclusion first or a deep dive into the film’s appeal, this single page has you covered.

“Which platform, and when?”—grasp it in one minute.
Focusing on major services (U-NEXT, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, ABEMA, and more), we present practical plans for watching for free and the lowest-cost viewing.
Starting from the release date (December 5, 2025), we clearly organize the expected streaming windows.

“Is it a waste if I can’t watch it right now?”—Don’t worry.
With reward points and timing your free trials, we’ll show techniques to keep costs down from day one of release.
Read to the end and you’ll reach “Assassin’s Plot” via the fastest and cheapest route.

Where can I watch “Assassin’s Plot”?
I’ll be so happy if I can watch it for free!
…But before it streams, it’s easy to rush and end up paying.
Time to deploy Milkuma’s “money-saving plan” and save those free trials!

What is “Assassin’s Plot”?

“Assassin’s Plot” (original title: Knox Goes Away) is a suspense drama scheduled for release on Friday, December 5, 2025.
With the time limit of collapsing memory and the theme of father–son atonement, the story unfolds with a noir-like tension.
Directed by and starring Michael Keaton, with a powerhouse cast including Al Pacino, it balances the depth of a psychological drama with the urgency of a crime thriller.

Work Data (Basic Information)

Let’s organize the basics first to prepare for forecasting the streaming window.

What kind of movie? In one line

“Finish everything before your memory disappears.”
A gripping suspense where the pride of a professional executing his final plan collides with a father’s love.
Meticulous planning, psychological warfare, and family bonds intersect, with each measured step ratcheting up the tension.

Bottom Line First: Can you watch for free (pre-release to shortly after)?

At the time of theatrical release, you typically cannot watch for free on subscription the same day.
If you want it ASAP, the usual route is early digital release (pay-per-view) → subscription inclusion; time your free trial for “just before it hits subscription” for the best value.
In this article, we concretely lay out streaming start predictions and how to watch for free for major platforms (U-NEXT / Netflix / TVer / Amazon Prime Video / Hulu / Disney+ / ABEMA, etc.) in the table below.

Synopsis & Production Info for “Assassin’s Plot”

“Assassin’s Plot” (original title: Knox Goes Away) follows a hitman afflicted with memory loss who attempts one last perfect crime.
It is directed by and stars Academy Award–winning actor Michael Keaton.
He’s joined by Al Pacino, James Marsden, and Marcia Gay Harden, among other stellar cast members.
Blending quiet tension with human frailty, the film has drawn global attention as a “father-and-son atonement drama” that transcends simple suspense.

Prologue: The Conflict of Assassin John Knox

The protagonist John Knox (Michael Keaton) is a perfectionist hitman.
A former Army reconnaissance veteran with two PhDs, he’s cool-headed and methodical, treating “killing” as a profession.
One day, however, a doctor diagnoses him with “total memory loss within weeks.”
He initially takes it in stride, but gradually becomes consumed by the question of “what to leave behind before everything fades.”

Reunion with His Son and the Last Job of His Life

Appearing before Knox is his long-estranged son, Myles (James Marsden).
Myles makes a shocking confession to his father:
“I killed someone. What do I do?”
Torn between the desire to save his son and his guilt over the past, Knox decides to take on one last “job.”
That is, a perfect crime designed to protect his son before his memory completely disappears.

Race Against Time: Within a Crumbling Memory

His brain is failing by the hour.
As dates and names blur and memories mix with ghosts of the past, Knox assembles his plan with care.
His ally is his old friend Xavier (Al Pacino), who understands Knox’s condition and respects his resolve.
Meanwhile, detectives close in on Myles’s case, and Knox is running out of time.
The simultaneous progression of “perfect crime” and “memory collapse” creates overwhelming tension.

Final Act: A Father’s Atonement and a Quiet Curtain Call

The ending is more than just a crime story.
Even as his memory slips away, Knox strives to fulfill his love and responsibility as a father.
From his perspective, the audience relives fragments of fading memories—regrets and love alike.
Where Knox finally arrives is forgiveness and quiet.
The intersection of “killing” and “atonement” leaves a lingering, profound aftertaste.

Production Details (Staff & Cast)

What to Know Before Watching: Key Highlights

“Assassin’s Plot” blends a “quiet tension” with “familial affection,” making it an unusual suspense film.
It’s garnered strong buzz among film fans pre-release for its distinctive structure and star-studded cast.
Here we summarize five key points to enrich your viewing.

1) Michael Keaton as Both Director and Star

The film’s biggest draw is Keaton tackling the themes of “aging” and “memory loss” with his own hands.
Known for “Birdman” and “Spotlight,” here he takes on triple duty—director, lead, and producer—elevating the portrayal of confronting one’s own decline through direction itself.
His delicate performance and serene, time-conscious staging linger in the mind.

2) Al Pacino as the “Shadow Ally”

Pacino plays Xavier, Knox’s old friend and collaborator.
His presence adds weight and depth.
Once a symbol of youthful “ruin and madness,” Pacino now embodies “age and mercy,” functioning as Knox’s mirror.
Their dialogue scenes hum with quiet, beautiful tension.

3) A Philosophical Suspense on “Time” and “Memory”

At its core, “Assassin’s Plot” is the drama of a man dissolving as his memory fades.
It explores in metaphor the universal decline and forgetting, channeled through the extreme profession of a “hitman.”
Viewers face the ultimate question: “If my memory vanished, what would I choose?”
Less explosive action, more psychological suspense and taut dialogue.

4) Fusion of Suspense and Human Drama

Knox’s “last perfect crime” is intricately crafted as suspense.
But his motive is purely paternal—to save his son.
Behind the cold precision lies tenderness and love—the film’s greatest beauty.
This balance is a major part of its appeal.

5) A Serene Visual and Musical Tone

Visually, the film adopts a meticulously calibrated noir palette.
Dim interiors, monochrome cityscapes, sharp contrasts of light and shadow.
As color seems to fade over time, the imagery mirrors the collapse of the protagonist’s memory.
The music favors quiet piano and ambient textures over bombast, letting you hear the “silence of time.”

Anticipated Comments from Viewers

• “The trailer alone gave me chills. Keaton’s expressions say it all.”
• “Pacino’s seasoned performance hits hard. Lifetimes in quiet conversations.”
• “A lingering blend of ‘Memento’ × ‘The Irishman.’ A noir that stays with you.”
• “More mind games than action—and the quiet makes it even scarier.”
• “Didn’t realize Keaton’s directing had matured this much… Oscar-worthy level.”

Streaming Services Most Likely to Carry “Assassin’s Plot”

The keys to predicting the streaming start for “Assassin’s Plot” are its overseas distribution route and the Japanese theatrical schedule.
The film is slated for theaters on Friday, December 5, 2025. Typically, foreign films move to digital and then subscription about 3–5 months after theatrical release.
Therefore, as early as around March–April 2026, we can expect rentals and subscription availability on major VODs.

Below is a summary by popular service of the predicted start date, pricing, and how to watch for free.

Service	Predicted Start	Monthly Price	How to Watch Free
U-NEXT	Mid–late March 2026	¥2,189 (tax incl.)	31-day free trial + 600 initial points for effectively free viewing
Amazon Prime Video	Around April 2026	¥600 (tax incl.)	Rent during 30-day free trial (with point rewards)
Hulu	April–May 2026	¥1,026 (tax incl.)	Use the 2-week free trial right after it hits subscription
Disney+	Around May 2026	¥1,320 (tax incl.)	Use the DMM × Disney+ bundle for an effectively free first month
ABEMA	Around April 2026	¥960 (tax incl.)	ABEMA Premium 2-week free trial for first-time free viewing
TSUTAYA DISCAS	Late February–early March 2026	¥2,052 (tax incl.)	First 30 days free rental to get the DVD early

Recommended Strategy to Watch for Free

1) Track the “early digital release” about 3–4 months post-theatrical.
Most services go rental first, then subscription after a period.
Use your free trial during that window to minimize costs.

2) Don’t stack free trials at the same time.
Running multiple services simultaneously shortens your free window.
Use them sequentially based on the rollout schedule.

3) Leverage point rewards.
U-NEXT and Amazon Prime Video often grant starter points that can cover new-release rentals.
Even for a new title like “Assassin’s Plot,” you can achieve effectively ¥0 viewing using initial bonuses.

Who’s likely to include it in subscription first?

Based on similar titles (e.g., “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Memento,” “The Equalizer 3”), U-NEXT is the likeliest to include it earliest.
U-NEXT frequently secures early releases for Western suspense films, and its 600-point trial makes it highly cost-effective.

FAQs About Watching “Assassin’s Plot”

I want to watch “Assassin’s Plot” for free! But which service? When? Subbed or dubbed?
Here are clear answers so you can prep before release—even if you’re new to streaming.

Q1: Can I watch “Assassin’s Plot” for free?

At the theatrical stage (December 2025) it’s paid-only, so no free viewing.
However, after digital release (March 2026 and beyond), you can use each service’s free trial to watch “effectively free.”
Top two recommendations:

• U-NEXT: 31-day free trial + 600 points covers new releases
• TSUTAYA DISCAS: 30-day free DVD rentals delivered to your home

Q2: Will there be a dub, or subtitles only?

At first, it will most likely be subtitles only.
That said, Hulu and Disney+ have been rolling out dubs earlier lately, so a dubbed version could arrive by summer 2026.

Q3: When will the DVD/Blu-ray be released?

Judging from trends in Keaton’s past films (“Birdman,” “The Flash”), Blu-ray/DVD typically arrives about 3 months after theatrical.
So “Assassin’s Plot” will likely hit shelves in early–mid March 2026.

Q4: Which service will have it fastest?

U-NEXT or Amazon Prime Video are the best bets for earliest access.
U-NEXT often partners closely with distributors, making it a prime candidate for early digital release.
Amazon Prime Video also frequently offers early rentals, and you can make it effectively free with a trial + points.

Q5: Can I watch on my phone? Is download available?

Major services (U-NEXT, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, etc.) support phones, tablets, PCs, and TVs.
U-NEXT and Disney+ also offer downloadable playback so you can watch offline without worrying about data caps.

Q6: Can my family share one account?

Yes—most services support account sharing.
For example, U-NEXT allows up to 4 accounts for simultaneous viewing, and Disney+ supports up to 7 profiles.
Your family can enjoy “Assassin’s Plot” on separate devices at the same time.

Filmography Highlights of the Lead Cast

The magnetism of “Assassin’s Plot” owes much to Michael Keaton and the stellar ensemble.
Below are representative and related works, focusing on titles available on major platforms.

Michael Keaton (as John Knox)

An Academy Award–nominated actor who has led the industry from the 1980s to today.
From his iconic turn in “Batman” (1989) to the meta-career portrait “Birdman” (2014), which earned him a Best Actor nomination,
and the socially charged “Spotlight,” he’s showcased remarkable range.

• “Birdman” (Streaming on U-NEXT / Amazon Prime Video)
• “Spotlight” (Netflix / Hulu)
• “Batman” series (1989–1992) (U-NEXT / Amazon Prime Video)
• “The Flash” (2023): Returns as Bruce Wayne

Al Pacino (as Xavier)

One of cinema’s living legends. Broke out with “The Godfather” and went on to “Scarface,” “Heat,” and more.
Even now he commands the screen, reaffirmed by “The Irishman” and the series “Hunters.”

• “The Godfather” series (U-NEXT / Netflix)
• “Heat” (Amazon Prime Video)
• “The Irishman” (Netflix Original)
• “Hunters” (Amazon Prime Video exclusive)

James Marsden (as Myles)

Known as Cyclops in the “X-MEN” series, Marsden is a versatile actor across drama, comedy, and musicals.

• “X-MEN” series (Disney+)
• “Hairspray” (U-NEXT)
• “Julie & Julia” (Amazon Prime Video)

Marcia Gay Harden (as Ruby)

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress (“Pollock”).
A superb character actor portraying everyday strength and fragility—mothers, wives, teachers.

• “The Mist” (U-NEXT / Netflix)
• “Pollock” (Amazon Prime Video)
• “Code Black” (Hulu)

Joanna Kulig (as Annie)

Polish actress and singer who earned global acclaim for “Cold War.”
Known for nuanced yet passionate performances, she plays a woman who becomes Knox’s emotional anchor.

• “Cold War” (U-NEXT / Amazon Prime Video)
• “Ida” (Netflix)

Similar & Recommended Titles

If “Assassin’s Plot” intrigues you, here are curated suspense/dramas with related themes.
Many explore memory, atonement, aging, time, and the “final choices” we make.
We’ve selected 5 based on thematic proximity, visual tone, and psychological depth.

1) “Memento” (2000, dir. Christopher Nolan)

A man with short-term memory loss hunts his wife’s killer.
Its reverse chronology pushes the concept of “memory” to the edge.
Like “Assassin’s Plot,” it’s driven by the terror of losing track of who you are.

2) “Léon: The Professional” (1994, dir. Luc Besson)

A human drama about a solitary hitman and a young girl.
The contrast between the “professional killer” and hidden “affection” mirrors the father–child thread in “Assassin’s Plot.”

3) “The Equalizer” (2014–)

Denzel Washington’s revenge-action series.
A seasoned man’s cool precision echoes Keaton’s John Knox.
Its blend of social justice and personal atonement also aligns.

4) “The Irishman” (2019, dir. Martin Scorsese)

Pacino and De Niro in a late-life gangster epic.
The themes of “past sins” and “aging” make it a spiritual twin to “Assassin’s Plot.”
Long, but exquisitely quiet and psychologically acute.

5) “The Foreigner” (2017, starring Jackie Chan)

A social thriller about a father who challenges state power after losing his family.
Behind the action flows a father’s grief and resolve, an outward-facing counterpart to the “love and atonement” of “Assassin’s Plot.”

+ Bonus: Suspense Now Streaming

• U-NEXT: “Nightcrawler,” “Drive,” “Se7en”
• Netflix: “Perfect Blue,” “The Killer”
• Hulu: “Prisoners,” “The Dark Knight”
• Disney+: “Kingsman,” “Prey”

Check the Buzz on Social Media!

“Assassin’s Plot” (Knox Goes Away) is already drawing attention from film fans pre-release, with many excited voices on social platforms.
We’ve summarized early reactions from overseas festival screenings across X (formerly Twitter) and film communities.

Pre-Release Reviews & Early Impressions

• “Keaton once again captivates with ‘quiet acting.’ A film that speaks more through expressions than lines.”
• “Pacino’s seasoned gravitas cuts deep. Lifetimes packed into quiet conversation.”
• “A deep afterglow like ‘Memento’ × ‘The Irishman.’ A haunting noir.”
• “Less action, more mind games—and the silence is scarier.”
• “Didn’t expect Keaton’s direction to be this mature… Oscar-level.”

Fan Reactions on Social

Even from the trailer stage, X and Instagram are calling it “super cool” and “a hitman film that’ll make you cry.”
In particular, the setup of “a hitman losing his memory” is sparking empathy and curiosity.

“Saving your son before your memory disappears”—that premise is unfairly moving.
“Keaton × Pacino is a 90s film fan’s dream!”
“A suspense that’s quiet to the point of tension. A refined adult movie.”

Five-Parameter Scores (Overseas Review Averages)

Overall

Overall Score: 89.4 / 100
On the whole, acting, script, and visuals are exceptionally strong, marrying artfulness with entertainment.
Social feeds are full of takes like “a quiet, stirring suspense” and “a film to watch in life’s later chapters.”

Milkuma found the “deal alert” again!
Our plan to watch “Assassin’s Plot” for free was a big success!
But… I was so dazzled by Keaton’s cool that I spilled all my popcorn 💦
Well, that’s part of the thrill of moviegoing!
Can’t wait to dig into the next suspense title—so exciting!