They Will Kill You Will Slay Audiences

An occultist leans over Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz), as she sleeps.

Source: Warner Bros.

Story 7.1/10

They Will Kill You is a genre bending masterpiece about an older sister willing to risk everything to be reunited with her younger sibling. Good thing she’s willing to risk it all because she’ll have to contend with a crazy group of people who will throw everything at her, including the denizens of Hell.

This film subverts viewer expectations. It joins the ranks of other intriguing horror films, going all the way back to Get Out.

These films step outside of the standard fare of the genre to make a critique of society. This one seems to look at the theme of the socioeconomics of the privileged standing on the backs of the poor.

Aside from the theme, Director Kirill Sokolov is obviously a fan of a lot of different types of films and mediums. For starters, the film is like a live-action anime. There are call backs to Afro Samurai and Death Note. 

And even though, ultimately, the film falls into the horror genre, its action sequences hearken to bloody martial arts films. The Raid and The Villainess come to mind. 

But these sequences are also shot in an exaggerated over the top manner—almost as if they’re paying homage to Quentin Tarantino’s film style even as he paid homage to anime, kung fu and samurai movies.

The tone shifts at times, moving from the horror, to action and even comedy. It’s a gamble. But it works. The characters are a big part as to why it does. 

Asia Reaves stands her ground.

Source: Warner Bros.

Character   7.3/10

Zazie Beetz/Asia Reaves

Asia makes one mistake her whole life. And it costs her someone she loves dearly. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that right. She’s always faced villains and monsters. So the ones she’s up against now don’t phase her. 

Myha’la/ Maria Reaves

Maria isn’t a fighter. She does what she has to do to coexist with monsters. It’s no different than she’s always done. Maria goes along to get along. Even if she hates herself for what she must do. She'll at least be alive to have those feelings.

Patricia Arquette/Lilly Woodhouse

Lilly only cares for herself and for those under her charge. The innocent will pay the blood tax, so Lilly and her followers can reap the benefits. 

Paterson Joseph/Ray Woodhouse

It’s all caught up to Ray. His conscience won’t allow him to continue down the path of wickedness. He decides he will act, regardless of the consequences. 

Lilly Woodhouse at Center (Patricia Arquette) mobilizes Kevin near Left (Tom Felton) and the rest of the occult.

Source: Warner Bros.

Final Thoughts 

They Will Kill You subverts viewer expectations in the best way possible. The theme is impactful, especially considering the current climate. But it's mostly a lot of fun to watch.