They Will Kill You: A Stylish But Empty Horror Action Comedy?
In a secure, opulent building, a young woman, Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz), battles her way through a group of privileged people, who have pledged to sacrifice her life to the Dark Lord. The film, directed by Kirill Sokolov, closely resembles the Radio Silence sequel, Ready or Not, and is released just a week after its sequel, which may be its downfall.
Despite the derivative nature of the film, it is still watchable and enjoyable, with a charming, unpretentious rhythm. The film features beautifully brutal fight sequences and a plethora of other inspirations, including Quentin Tarantino and Sam Raimi, Sergio Leone close-ups, Japanese chambara-style blood sprays, and Brian Yuzna-esque animated body parts. However, the film lacks substance beneath the surface, with a class warfare subtext and commentary on racism that feels cribbed from other films.
Zazie Beetz shines in her first lead role in an action horror comedy, showcasing her physical prowess and comedic timing. She takes Asia out of the Final Girl archetype and puts her into a full-blown heroine category, making her a memorable and entertaining character. However, the film's world-building is half-baked, with each floor representing a theme from Dante's Inferno, but barely explored, and the escalation in the film is more like a video game.
Overall, They Will Kill You is a stylish but empty horror action comedy, with a lot of fun and entertainment value, but it may not leave a lasting impression. The film is rated 6.5 out of 10 and opens in theaters on March 27, 2026.
