I just walked out of the theater and honestly, my head is still spinning a bit. It's one of those movies that leaves you with more questions than answers, but in a strangely fun way. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or be creeped out half the time, and I think that's exactly what they were going for. The elevator scene is still replaying in my mind - I can't decide if it was brilliant or ridiculous. I need a coffee to process this.
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What's They Will Kill You About?
The movie follows a young woman who takes a housekeeping job in a fancy but eerie New York high-rise. She quickly realizes the building has a dark history of disappearances, and the residents might be involved in something much more sinister than just bad neighbor etiquette. It's a wild mix of genres that tries to balance horror, action, and comedy all at once.
What Works in They Will Kill You
- ✓ Zazie Beetz is fantastic as the lead - she brings this grounded, practical energy that makes the absurdity work. You believe her reactions.
- ✓ The production design of the high-rise is incredible. It feels both luxurious and deeply unsettling, like a beautiful trap.
- ✓ There's a kitchen fight scene involving a blender that had me both cringing and laughing out loud. It was creatively chaotic.
- ✓ The movie never takes itself too seriously, which saves it when the plot gets a little wobbly. The tone is consistently playful.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The plot gets pretty messy in the third act. I lost track of who was in the cult and who was just weird. (35-40 words)
- ✗ Some of the horror elements feel undercooked. A few jump scares were predictable.
- ✗ Tom Felton's character felt underused. He had a great creepy vibe but disappeared for long stretches.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where Zazie's character is interviewing with Patricia Arquette, who plays the building manager. The dialogue is perfectly mundane yet dripping with unspoken menace. Arquette delivers a line about 'community standards' that gave me chills. Later, a completely unexpected musical number breaks out in a laundry room - it was so bizarre I couldn't help but grin. And the final confrontation in the rooftop garden was visually stunning, even if I wasn't 100% clear on the rules of the Satanic ritual happening.
Main Cast: Zazie Beetz, Heather Graham, Patricia Arquette, Tom Felton, Myha'la
Direction, Music & Visuals
Director Kirill Sokolov has a distinct visual style - lots of Dutch angles and tight close-ups that amplify the disorientation. The cinematography makes the building itself feel like a character. The score was interesting, shifting from eerie synth to almost comedic stings. Performance-wise, Heather Graham is having a blast as a suspiciously cheerful resident, and Myha'la brings a great skeptical energy. The editing is snappy, which helps the 94-minute runtime fly by, even when the story logic doesn't quite hold up.
Director: Kirill Sokolov
Genres: Action, Comedy, Horror
Who Should Watch They Will Kill You?
If you enjoy genre mash-ups and don't mind when a movie prioritizes style and fun over airtight plotting, you'll have a good time. Fans of movies like 'Ready or Not' or 'The Babysitter' who like their horror with a big side of dark comedy will appreciate the vibe. It's perfect for a late-night watch with friends where you can laugh at the absurd parts.
Who Might Want to Skip?
Hardcore horror purists who want consistent scares and a coherent mythology should probably steer clear. Also, if you get frustrated when movies raise more questions than they answer, this will annoy you.
Final Verdict
Look, it's flawed but I had fun. I wouldn't watch it again alone for a deep analysis, but I'd absolutely put it on at a movie night with friends. It's the cinematic equivalent of a rollercoaster that occasionally derails - you scream, you laugh, you question the safety regulations, but you don't regret the ride. I'd give it a cautious recommendation if the genre blend sounds appealing to you.
