They Will Kill You: A Bloodsoaked Satire of Wealth and Violence At the end of its chaotic, gory spectacle, a disbelieving detective confronts a survivor who mutters only two words: “Rich people.” This blunt, almost comically brief social critique is the extent of the commentary in They Will Kill You, an action-horror-comedy set in a Manhattan luxury building where Satan-worshipping tenants ritualistically murder their poor, marginalized staff. Writer-director Kirill Sokolov and co-writer Alex Litvak lean into the absurdity of their premise, delivering a film that thrives on over-the-top violence and stylistic flair, even if its deeper themes remain underexplored. The film’s plot centers on Asia (Zazie Beetz), a maid who infiltrates the exclusive Virgil apartments under false pretenses to rescue her estranged sister, Maria. Armed with an arsenal of weapons and a fierce fighting spirit honed in prison, Asia confronts the building’s wealthy residents, who have struck a literal deal with the Devil. The residents, clad in robes and masks, are more than willing to defend their privilege, aided by supernatural powers that tip the balance in their favor. The film’s opening sequence, in which Asia slices off a Satanist’s head with a sword in a closet, sets the tone for a series of increasingly grotesque set pieces. Sokolov’s direction leans into the film’s gonzo style, with slow-motion shots of furniture shattering, mattress stuffing raining down like snow, and Asia wielding flaming axes to set enemies ablaze. The action sequences are frenetic and stylish, blending horror, comedy, and over-the-top violence into a spectacle that prioritizes spectacle over substance.#heather_graham #tom_felton #zazie_beetz #kirill_sokolov #alex_litvak
The In Your Face Horror Thriller 'They Will Kill You' Black Girl Nerds recently spoke with the cast and filmmakers behind the upcoming horror-thriller They Will Kill You, a film that promises to deliver a visceral and intense cinematic experience. The interview featured Zazie Beetz as Asia, Patricia Arquette as Lily, Myha’la as Maria, Heather Graham as Sharon, along with director and writer Kirill Sokolov, and producers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti. The film follows a woman navigating a violent and unforgiving world, where she must rely on her instincts, resilience, and determination to survive. As unseen forces close in around her, the story evolves into a harrowing psychological and physical battle, blurring the lines between survival and self-destruction. The narrative explores themes of vulnerability, strength, and the relentless struggle to endure in a hostile environment. The cast and crew emphasized the film’s focus on creating a tense, immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. Sokolov, who also serves as an executive producer, described the project as a blend of psychological horror and action, designed to challenge audiences with its unpredictable twists and emotional depth. Muschietti, known for his work on It and Mystery Science Theater 3000, brought his expertise in crafting suspenseful, character-driven stories to the project. The film’s premiere is set for March 26th, with plans for a wide theatrical release. The cast highlighted the importance of the story’s message, particularly in its portrayal of female resilience and the complexities of survival. Beetz, who plays Asia, noted the character’s journey as a reflection of real-world struggles, while Arquette praised the film’s ability to balance horror with moments of emotional authenticity.#patricia_arquette #heather_graham #zazie_beetz #black_girl_nerds #myha_la
They Will Kill You: A Fiery Revenge Farce Crashes and Burns Kirill Sokolov’s They Will Kill You opens with a chaotic premise: Zazie Beetz stars as Asia Reaves, a maid posing as a new employee at a luxury Manhattan hotel that secretly houses a satanic cult. The film’s initial promise is enticing—a midnight action thriller with bloodshed, violence, and a revenge plot. However, the execution quickly falters, turning the movie into a disjointed, exhausting experience. The story follows Asia, who infiltrates the hotel to rescue her sister, now a victim of the cult’s human sacrifice rituals. The film’s opening scenes are visually striking, with a rain-soaked prologue showing Asia escaping her abusive father and leaving her sister behind. The hotel, named The Virgil, is overtly satanic, its décor dripping with occult symbolism. Asia’s first night at the hotel is a violent spectacle: cultists in raincoats and pig masks invade her room, only for her to retaliate with a machete and a barrage of weapons. The action is frenetic, with crash-zooms, blood splatter, and a spaghetti Western-inspired score. Yet, the film’s premise takes a supernatural turn when the cultists’ injuries miraculously heal, hinting at their pact with the devil. This twist, while thematically intriguing, undermines the film’s tension, as the villains’ immortality robs the violence of its impact. The plot lacks coherence, with the hotel’s layout never fully explained and action scenes reduced to chaotic, repetitive sequences. Asia’s mission to rescue her sister becomes a series of increasingly absurd set pieces, each less satisfying than the last. The film’s reliance on derivative influences—such as Timur Bekmambetov’s action style, Quentin Tarantino’s revenge tropes, and Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy—fails to create a cohesive identity.#zazie_beetz #kirill_sokolov #the_virgil #heather_graham #tom_felton
