Russian filmmaker Kirill Sokolov makes his American debut with Warner Bros.’ “They Will Kill You”, a blood-soaked genre hybrid that wastes little time showing its teeth. Co-written with Alex Littvak, the film drops audiences into a deceptively simple setup that quickly spirals into chaos.
We are introduced to Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz), an ex-convict looking for a fresh start who takes a job as a maid at the Virgil, an upscale New York hotel run by the enigmatic Lilith Woodhouse (Patricia Arquette). Among the guests is Sharon (Heather Graham), but it does not take long for Asia—and the audience—to realize this is no ordinary luxury stay. Something sinister lurks beneath the surface, and Asia soon finds herself in a situation that demands more than survival; it requires retaliation.
That is all I will say about the plot. This is a film best experienced with fresh eyes, allowing its twists to unfold without interference.
Beetz continues to prove why she is one of the most versatile performers working today. Since her breakout in “Atlanta”, she has built a résumé that resists easy categorization, and here she transitions seamlessly into action-horror territory. As Asia, she brings grit, charisma, and sharp comedic timing, delivering convincing fight choreography and a protagonist worth investing in.
Arquette, returning to the genre after “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” and “Stigmata”, relishes the opportunity to shift from victim to orchestrator. There is a clear sense of enjoyment in her performance, which adds an unpredictable edge to the film’s central conflict. Graham matches that energy, leaning into the chaos with a performance that feels both playful and dangerous. A standout sequence—a claustrophobic chase through the hotel’s ventilation system—proves to be one of the film’s most effective set pieces.
What ultimately makes “They Will Kill You” work is its confidence. Sokolov embraces the film’s tonal shifts, blending dark humor, brutal action, and flashes of horror without losing control. Just as the film settles into one rhythm, it pivots, keeping the audience engaged and, at times, genuinely surprised.
Lean, efficient, and unapologetically wild, “They Will Kill You” never overstays its welcome. It is a film that understands its identity and delivers on its promise with style.
Final Grade: B+
“They Will Kill You” opens in theaters tomorrow.
