THEY WILL KILL YOU – “A blast of giddy, unapologetic gore – at least until the tedium sets in”
RATING
DIRECTOR
Directed by: Kirill Sokolov
MAIN CAST
• Zazie Beetz as Asia Reaves
• Myha'la as one of the maids t
• Tom Felton as Kevin
• Heather Graham as Sharon
SYNOPSIS
A woman answers a help-wanted ad to be a housekeeper in a mysterious New York City high-rise, not realizing she is entering a community that has seen a number of disappearances over the years.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Kirill Sokolov’s They Will Kill You is a blast of giddy, unapologetic gore - at least until the tedium sets in. Yep, this is one intense, hyper-stylized action extravaganza that goes straight for the jugular - quite literally. Translation: there will be blood. Gallons of it. And if you like your slice-em-up mayhem served with a generous side of humor, you’ve come to the right place. While the film comfortably occupies the horror realm (no spoilers, but there’s more to the “hunters” than meets the eye), it also moonlights as a surprisingly effective comedy. Much of that comes from the wildly over-the-top, almost Looney Tunes–level violence - executed with cartoonish precision. Luckily, Sokolov knows how to wield a camera. His action sequences have a distinct look and rhythm thanks to clever framing, slick visual flourishes, and inventive angle work. That alone is an achievement. The film has another major asset: Zazie Beetz. In a full-throttle, go-for-broke performance, she embraces the physicality and gonzo insanity of the role with total commitment. She sells every guts-splattering blow, no matter how outrageous. The “flaming axe” sequence in particular stands out as a deliriously entertaining showcase for her intensity. However, even the most adrenalized carnage can lose its kick. After the fourth or fifth bloody battle, the film drifts into repetitive, tedious territory. The cliché-heavy finale doesn’t do it any favors. By the time the pig head on a stick starts talking, it’s clear the movie has pretty much run out of steam. The over-simplified plot also leaves a lot to be desired. Beetz plays an ex-con working as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, determined to rescue her sister from its wealthy residents. And yes, the “eat the rich” messaging leans into well-worn tropes. In the end, They Will Kill You is a stylish, blood-soaked ride that thrives on dynamism and its gleeful commitment to violent humor. It just happens to repeat itself a bit too often along the way.
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
8
Hoppers
$12.2 million
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