At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
“They Will Kill You,” an action-comedy-horror film, is a mix of swords, satanists, and silliness. It relies heavily on comedic gore and action sequences, with Zazie Beetz standing out as a genuine action star.
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A decade after fleeing an abusive father and leaving her younger sister behind, Asia Reaves (played by Zazie Beetz) returns to New York. She takes a job as a cleaner at The Virgil, a secluded residential building for the elite.
The building’s ominous atmosphere is evident with a manager named Lilith and a large bronze Satan relief at the entrance, hinting at a sinister undertone.
Subtlety is not the film’s strong suit, and it becomes clear as the story unfolds. The Virgil, reminiscent of Rosemary’s Baby’s The Bramford, is filled with cloaked satanists who target Asia, intending her as a blood offering.
However, Asia has her own secrets. Recently released from prison, she has assumed a false identity to find her missing sister.
The film dives into its action elements as Asia defends herself with spectacular gore, dismantling her masked assailants.
“They Will Kill You” excels in its scenes of exaggerated gore, innovative camerawork, and a captivating performance by Zazie Beetz, which anchors the film.
Warner Bros.
Asia’s character draws inspiration from Tarantino’s films, wielding a sword and often seen barefoot. Director Kirill Sokolov incorporates Tarantino-like stylistic elements, though the film lacks memorable dialogue and character depth.
Aside from Beetz’s standout performance, the supporting cast has limited material. Myhaâla, known for her work in “Industry,” barely makes an impression as Maria Reaves. The scenes meant to establish the sisters’ bond fall flat, as Sokolov seems eager to return to the more thrilling action sequences.
Veteran actors Patricia Arquette and Paterson Joseph, portraying Lily and Ray, are hindered by exaggerated accents that distract from their performances.
The plot is straightforward, resembling “Ready Or Not” in its theme of surviving the night against satanists in an isolated building. However, unlike its counterpart, it lacks suspense and genuine horror elements.
Warner Bros.
While the film offers entertainment in watching the cultists, played by Heather Graham and Tom Felton, face repeated defeats, and showcases a creative sequence involving a sentient eyeball, it still feels longer than its 90-minute runtime.
Should you watch They Will Kill You?
Opening with the phrase “When the poor give to the rich, the devil laughs,” the film hints at satire but delivers mainly in terms of action and comedy gore.
Seasoned horror fans might find it lacking in originality and scares, but those who steer clear of the genre might appreciate the absence of fright. Zazie Beetz remains the film’s highlight, closely followed by the quirky eyeball sequence.
