The Accountant (2016) - Worth the Watch?

Introduction

The Accountant is a 2016 film starring Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick. This sentence alone may cause some readers looking for a martial arts film to lose interest, but that reaction is premature. Bill Dubuque, who also wrote the popular TV series Ozark and the sequel to this film, The Accountant 2, wrote this film. Gavin O’Connor who has experience directing sports and martial arts films such as Miracle (2004), Warrior (2011), and The Way Back (2020) directs it. The Accountant (2016) has a resume unlike the films I typically review. No big names from Hong Kong, no obvious connection to martial arts in the title, and lead actors not known as martial artists. All that said, this film presents a practical application of a lesser-known martial art.

Summary

The Accountant follows Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck), a brilliant forensic accountant who is on the autism spectrum. He works for dangerous criminal organizations as their accountant, “cleaning” their money and “uncooking” their books. Behind his quiet, methodical exterior is a man trained from childhood in lethal combat. When Christian Wolff takes on a legitimate client—Living Robotics—he uncovers a massive financial discrepancy that puts him and analyst Dana Cummings (Anna Kendrick) in danger. As the conspiracy unravels, he must fight to survive. Christian Wolff unleashes a blend of tactical precision, sharpshooting, and close-quarters martial arts. This film features grounded, intense action scenes that highlight Pencak Silat and Filipino Kali. These are disciplined, efficient styles reflecting Christian Wolff’s psychological control and survival instincts. Unlike flashy fight sequences in typical action films, The Accountant (2016) emphasizes realism and economy of movement, portraying martial arts as extensions of character and purpose. The result is a gripping thriller where intellect and violence intersect in a unique action protagonist.

Analysis

Pros

In The Accountant (2016), Pencak Silat is not merely a combat technique but a narrative device that encapsulates Christian Wolff’s (Ben Affleck) disciplined and methodical character. This Indonesian martial art, known for its close-quarters efficiency and fluid movements, mirrors Wolff’s structured mindset and his need for control amidst internal chaos. Director Gavin O’Connor collaborated with fight choreographers to ensure authenticity, selecting Silat for its practicality and cinematic appeal. Affleck immersed himself in rigorous training, mastering Pencak Silat and Filipino Kali to deliver realistic and precise fight sequences. His dedication is evident in the film’s choreography, where each movement is deliberate, reflecting Wolff’s calculated approach to conflict.

I do not practice Pencak Silat, but I was happy to see it included in this film. I remember first reading about it decades ago in my dad’s copies of Inside Kung Fu. I read article after article about its speed and efficiency, but never had a chance to see it. The portrayal of Silat in this film lives up to my expectations. It transcends typical action tropes, offering a grounded and character-driven perspective on martial arts. This integration of form and function elevates the film, making its action scenes compelling.

One of the most striking examples of Pencak Silat’s effectiveness appears during the farmhouse shootout. As Christian Wolff moves through the house neutralizing threats, the choreography highlights Silat’s core principles: economy of motion, joint manipulation, and close-quarters efficiency. Rather than drawn-out exchanges, the fights are sudden, brutal, and tightly controlled. Wolff uses angles, leverage, and timing to dispatch opponents quickly, reflecting Silat’s battlefield origins. In the warehouse ambush scene, his movements are even more refined—he disarms and disables multiple attackers in rapid succession, seamlessly blending strikes with weapon retention and body control. The camera work avoids excessive cuts, allowing the audience to feel the rhythm and precision of Wolff’s techniques. The result is not just thrilling action, but a visual expression of character through martial form.

Cons

While The Accountant (2016) received praise for its action and unique protagonist, many critics and advocates expressed concern over its depiction of autism. The film links Christian Wolff’s extraordinary mathematical and combat abilities to his being on the spectrum, reinforcing the “autistic savant” stereotype while glossing over the daily realities most autistic individuals face. Some felt the character lacked emotional nuance, reducing autism to a plot device or superpower. Others argued that the film missed an opportunity for authentic representation, especially by casting a neurotypical actor without consulting the autistic community. This raised ongoing concerns about accuracy and inclusivity in media portrayals.

Conclusion

Is The Accountant (2016) worth the watch? Absolutely. It is not a traditional martial arts film, but it does demonstrate how martial arts is – or can be – a part of everyday life. This film also includes actors such as Jon Bernthal (the Walking Dead, the Punisher) and Ron Yuan (Mulan, Paper Tigers). If having Batman (Ben Affleck) and the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) in the same film is not enough, then watch this film for Ron Yuan’s brief appearance. I am a huge fan of his work and his extensive work as an actor, director, and choreographer is apparent in everything he does.