“Killerman,” Malik Bader ’s latest super-violent crime thriller (after the brutal “Cash Only” in 2016) , starts out slow and sticky, then gradually gathers steam and substance. The result might feel overlong and overwrought; yet thanks to Bader’s clever plotting and fruity dialogue — as well as strong supporting players — this grimy picture climaxes more satisfyingly than expected.

Smack in the center is Moe Diamond (a guarded Liam Hemsworth ), an ambitious Manhattan jeweler and sought-after money launderer. When his friend and partner, Skunk (Emory Cohen), suggests using a multimillion-dollar stash for a quick drug deal, Moe is wary: The money is being held for Skunk’s skeevy Uncle Nestor ( Zlatko Buric ), a ruthless gangster who plans to use it to purchase politicians.