Zazie Beetz Battles High-Rise Cultists in Gory Actioner 'They Will Kill You'

The Joker star takes center stage in a stylized, ultra-violent thriller that blends social satire with over-the-top martial arts. While critics are split on the script, Beetz's magnetic performance as a woman trapped in a lethal apartment building is generating serious buzz.

The Full Story

Directed by Kirill Sokolov, They Will Kill You follows Anna (Zazie Beetz), a woman who answers a help-wanted ad for a housekeeper position in a posh, mysterious high-rise. Little does she know, the building's residents are part of a murderous cult that hunts the staff for sport. What follows is a 90-minute gauntlet of creative kills and bone-crunching choreography that feels like a love letter to the early work of Quentin Tarantino.

The film is being described by many as a 'satanic beat-em-up,' leaning heavily into the 'eat-the-rich' subgenre that has dominated cinema lately. Anna isn't your typical victim; she fights back with a ferocity that catches her wealthy tormentors off guard. However, not everyone is sold on the execution. While some outlets praise it as a 'giddy actioner,' others argue the formula of 'horror-pulp' is starting to wear thin in an oversaturated market.

The production quality is undeniably high, featuring a stellar supporting cast including Patricia Arquette and Myha’la. The narrative structure shifts from a slow-burn mystery in the first act to a full-blown war by the finale. It's the kind of movie that thrives on 'shock value' and 'dark humor,' though some critics have pointed out that the jokes sometimes land with a thud compared to the precision of the fight scenes.

The Main Players

The success of the film rests largely on its diverse and talented ensemble. Zazie Beetz carries the weight of the film as Anna, cementing her status as an action lead. Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette plays the enigmatic leader of the residents, bringing a chilling gravitas to the 'satanic' elements of the plot. Rising star Myha’la plays a pivotal role among the staff, serving as a foil to Anna’s lone-wolf survival instincts. Behind the camera, Kirill Sokolov brings the same frantic energy seen in his previous work, Why Don’t You Just Die!

What This Means

For moviegoers in the US, this release signals a continued appetite for genre-bending horror that tackles class disparity. It follows in the footsteps of hits like Ready or Not and The Menu, where the wealthy are portrayed as literal monsters. The writing is on the wall: audiences want more than just jump scares; they want catharsis. Even if the film struggles with 'deja vu' in its tropes, it reinforces Zazie Beetz as a powerhouse capable of carrying a major franchise.

Beetz kicks ass in a giddy, gory eat-the-rich actioner that doesn't hold back on the visuals.

What to Expect

With its debut sparking heated debates among cinephiles, expect They Will Kill You to become a staple on streaming platforms where cult hits find their second life. While a sequel hasn't been confirmed, the ending leaves just enough room for Anna's story to continue. For those looking to catch it, you can check local showtimes here to see the carnage on the big screen.

FAQ

Is 'They Will Kill You' a horror movie or an action movie?

It is a hybrid of both. While it features 'satanic' horror elements and gore, the core of the film is a high-speed action-thriller with heavy martial arts influences.

Who is the lead actress in 'They Will Kill You'?

Zazie Beetz, known for her roles in 'Joker' and 'Deadpool 2', stars as the protagonist Anna.

Is the movie 'They Will Kill You' based on a true story?

No, the film is a fictional social satire and supernatural horror story written for the screen.

Where can I watch 'They Will Kill You'?

The film is currently in a wide theatrical release across the United States before its eventual move to digital platforms.