It's unclear whether it's a coincidence or not, but the new action thriller They Will Kill You premiered in theatres around the same time as Ready Or Not 2. The overlap is hard to ignore, because both films feel almost identical in many respects, from their trailers to the tone and presentation they ultimately deliver.
They Will Kill You stars Zazie Beetz, whom I remember as Arthur Fleck's neighbour in Joker (2019). Here, she takes on her first lead action role, playing a woman who gets a job as a maid in an old co-op building, only to be hunted by its demonic residents. It falls neatly into that now-familiar subgenre of women trapped and forced to fight back against overwhelming odds, alongside films like Ready Or Not and Pretty Lethal.
Despite the trailer revealing much of the premise, the film still holds back a few elements that give it a slightly greater sense of depth.
Patricia Arquette plays cult leader Lilith Woodhouse.
Beetz plays Asia Reaves, a young woman on the run from her abusive father. After a series of unfortunate circumstances, she is forced to leave her sister behind. She ends up working in a deteriorating high-rise in downtown Manhattan, home to wealthy residents who are far from ordinary -- they intend to use her as a sacrifice. What they don't realise is that Asia is capable of extreme violence herself.
To say anything more about the plot would be a disservice. Much of the film's appeal lies in its unpredictability and the constant escalation of chaos. That said, longtime fans of the genre will likely recognise its influences immediately. If I had to describe it, I'd say it's Ready Or Not meets Snowpiercer (2013) with the gory action of Kill Bill (2003).
The story is simple, but that works in its favour. At just 94 minutes, the film prioritises momentum over complexity. It's packed with hand-to-hand combat and frantic chases through hallways and ballrooms. The camerawork keeps things dynamic, swinging through spaces to capture different angles of the action, sometimes using quick cuts, other times letting the choreography play out more fluidly.
The action sequences are easily the film's strongest element. Director Sokolov brings a consistent sense of kinetic energy, using inventive angles and staging to keep the pacing tight. There's a clear influence from Tarantino in the exaggerated violence, with heavy use of practical effects that give the bloodshed a tangible, visceral quality.
Beetz delivers a strong physical performance. She handles the demanding action convincingly, with movements that feel controlled and purposeful. Her character's shift from someone on the run to someone actively fighting back is believable, largely because of her commitment to the role.
However, the film does have its issues. I like Patricia Arquette, but her character feels out of place and lacks real intimidation. Her inconsistent faux Irish accent becomes distracting, pulling attention away from the film rather than adding to it.
The finale is another weak point. Instead of feeling like a natural conclusion, it plays more like a video game boss battle. This is disappointing, especially since the earlier sequences are more effective and engaging.
What this film represents is part of a broader trend -- a reversal of the traditional slasher formula, where the victim fights back. These films aim to deliver adrenaline, shock, jump scares and entertainment rather than narrative depth. They Will Kill You fits squarely into that mould. If you're looking for logic and coherence, this may not work for you. It's the kind of film where you have to switch that off and just go along for the ride.
For what it is, They Will Kill You is an entertaining, if derivative, action film. It borrows heavily from its influences but still manages to deliver a fast-paced, visually engaging experience. The story may be thin, but the execution is committed. Zazie Beetz proves herself capable as a lead in this kind of role, carrying the film through its relentless action. There's nothing particularly original here, but it succeeds as a stylised, violent spectacle that's easy enough to enjoy.
- They Will Kill You
- Starring Zazie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton
- Directed by Kirill Sokolov
