The Wasteland Reviewer

They Will Kill You (2026) Written Review

How far would you go to save your sibling? Now…some people might not always get along with their siblings and you might want to get rid of them. That is certainly fair. But witnessing them banished to a high rise controlled by a Satanic cult probably isn’t a fate you truly want to see them saddled with. That is the foundation for Kirill Sokolov’s new action/horror/black comedy They Will Kill You. Sokolov is a Russian filmmaker with quite the idiosyncratic vision and he brings that to the table with this physics-defying, bloody, and brutal bash with plenty of floors of excessive and hedonistic Hell. 

Do They Will Kill You offer up enough in the writing department to make this bonkers experience float? To be frank, you are not getting into a film like They Will Kill You for the rich and layered plot. But you do want enough substance to get us interested at least. The core story certainly gives the film some heart. An older sister who feels like she has abandoned her sister and will do anything to get her out of this place is empathetic enough to get your attention. The set up is serviceable enough but once the world-building truly kicks into gear, you are treated to such a ridiculously bonkers world that you cannot help but engage by. The dialogue is not the most dynamic which is certainly noticeable. The sisterly dynamic also feels shallow, especially with how some of the tension is overcome so quickly. But clunky dialogue and a lack of dynamic characters doesn’t get in the way of the fun too much.

But what is the real enticing element of this film? The cinematic vision of Sokolov is everything. The world he creates is strange, offbeat, violent, and unhinged. From a visual standpoint, the camerawork is dynamic and bold. There are some “Vertigo” effects with the camera moving in-and-out while manipulating the camera lens to give an exaggerated and unnerving effect. There are plenty of wide angle, long takes to capture the impressive fight choreography. The stunt work is quite impressive and a fun mix of computer and physical effects to bring some of the weirder and more fantastical elements to life in the film. There are buckets of blood and multiplayer antagonists to throw around as well. The action is so dynamic and fun (with plenty of shades of John Wick and Oldboy thrown in). The production design is quite effective giving this high rise a striking look all of its own. The pacing is high energy (especially once the action begins) with only some quickly edited flashbacks to cut up the perpetual energy moving forward. There are plenty of laughs and campy elements (including a wildly fun eyeball gag) that will keep you interested. 

How does the cast navigate the wild and strange world that Sokolov has created? Zazie Beetz is cool as they come with plenty of attitude, raw energy, and a toughness that pops on screen. Beetz understood the assignment and leans directly into the space needed to make this film work so well. She is not in it much but Myha’la (of Industry fame) finds a few moments to shine as Beetz’ sister even if she is far from the most interesting character. Patricia Arquette is the antagonist through much of the film and she goes for it with an Irish brogue and plenty of cold attitude. Tom Felton and Heather Graham are fun additions to the film as well. Paterson Joseph gets a few moments to shine as an unlikely ally to Beetz’ Asia Reaves. You even get a fun voice cameo from beloved character actor James Remar…but the less said about that role the better (it is worth the surprise!). 

Does Sokolov have the next great one-person army action flick around? This certainly has its shortcomings but They Will Kill You is a fully realized vision that is an endless good time. There are plenty of horror elements injected in with some truly wild imagery that will certainly surprise you. The action is quite special and thrilling which is the most important part of the film. Beetz’ completely committed performance is impressive and delivers for sure.