When the powerhouse production duo behind the It franchise, Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, throw their weight behind a project, audiences expect a certain level of genre-bending spectacle. Their latest offering, They Will Kill You, does not disappoint in the energy department. Directed by Kirill Sokolov—who co-wrote the script with Alex Litvak—this film is a punchy, hyper-violent Gothic actioner that wears its stylistic influences on its sleeve. While it leans heavily on familiar tropes, the film’s relentless pacing and visceral fight choreography make it a standout for fans of stylized carnage.
Story
The narrative centers on Asia Reeves (played by Zazie Beetz), an ex-convict attempting to rebuild her life after a decade behind bars. She secures a position at The Virgil, an opulent New York City high-rise that looks like a dream but quickly descends into a nightmare. Asia isn’t just there for a paycheck; she is searching for her estranged sister, Maria (Myha’la), from whom she was forcibly separated during a traumatic escape from their abusive father years prior.
The Virgil, however, isn’t just a luxury residence—it’s a playground for an elite cult of Satanists. These wealthy tenants intend to sacrifice Asia to their dark lord to preserve their own immortality. Unfortunately for the cultists, Asia’s time in prison turned her into a lethal combatant. What follows is a frantic survival story as Asia carves a bloody path through the building’s eccentric and murderous inhabitants.
Performances
Zazie Beetz, known for her standout work in Atlanta, carries the film with a physically demanding and emotionally grounded performance. She transforms Asia into a formidable anti-hero, making the transition from a desperate sister to a cold-blooded warrior feel entirely earned. Opposite her, Patricia Arquette delivers a deliciously complex turn as Lilith Woodhouse, the building’s manager and the driving force behind the sacrificial rites.
The ensemble is rounded out by recognizable faces, including Tom Felton (famous for the Harry Potter series), Heather Graham of Scream 2, and Angus Sampson from the Insidious films. While these supporting actors bring a certain level of prestige to the production, their characters often feel thinly sketched, existing primarily as obstacles for Asia to overcome rather than fully realized individuals.
Behind the Lens
Kirill Sokolov’s direction is nothing if not confident. The film is a clear love letter to the works of Quentin Tarantino, particularly the stylized swordplay of Kill Bill. While these homages are visually arresting, they occasionally run the risk of feeling like “a copy of a copy,” echoing visual cues that were already tributes to 1970s Japanese cinema like Lady Snowblood.
Despite the occasional lack of narrative originality, the choreography is breathtaking. The fight sequences are inventively staged, favoring brutal, grounded combat over CGI spectacle. However, the film stumbles slightly in its production design. While the “Evil Art Deco” aesthetic of The Virgil is a brilliant concept, it sometimes lacks the intricate detail required to make the setting feel truly immersive. The story, too, feels somewhat derivative, sharing DNA with recent “eat the rich” survival horrors like Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
Final Verdict
They Will Kill You is a riotous, gory, and unapologetically fun entry into the action-horror subgenre. It may struggle with some formulaic plot points and a few underdeveloped supporting characters, but it compensates with sheer attitude and a powerhouse lead performance by Zazie Beetz. If you are looking for a film that prioritizes visceral thrills and dark humor over deep philosophical exploration, this is an easy recommendation. It is a stylish, high-energy ride that proves sometimes, a simple story of a sister with a vendetta is all you need for a good time at the movies.
They Will Kill You is in theatres from March 27, 2026.
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Zazie Beetz Battles Satanic Cult in Darkly Comic Horror “They Will Kill You” Trailer
