It doesn’t take a genius to know that within the first ten minutes of a movie where Zazie Beetz is portraying a badass avenger of sorts, taking out rich white people, that it’s going to be a good time. Kirill Sokolov and Alex Litvak’s script was made for an unhinged Beetz to let loose and serve up body parts during this spectacle made to feel like a high-speed chase. They Will Kill You will have you cheering, cringing, and everything in between.
Asia Reaves (Beetz) is out of prison and looking for her sister, Maria (Myha’la). Asia hired a private investigator who uncovered her last known location, The Virgil. A high-rise said to be the home of Satan worshippers. She does what any normal person would do in this situation and goes undercover as a maid to get inside the building. Once inside, she meets Lilith (Patricia Arquette), the building’s manager. It doesn’t take long to see that the rich folks who live there are 1) extremely weird and 2) taking advantage of the maids, who are only women of color. However, director Kirill Sokolov doesn’t dwell on this, or any theme really. We’re only here for one thing: the kills. And they do deliver.
In the Cult, We All Fam
While Asia settles in for the night, she’s ambushed by the “family.” However, she doesn’t go down as easily as they expected. The remainder of the runtime is a push and pull, mania-fueled fight to the death. Fans of Kill Bill’s blueprint, Sam Raimi’s comedy style, and Pam Grier’s badass flair will find so many things to love here. Sokolov is absolutely having fun with his characters while also balancing the seriousness of Asia’s mission to save Maria from this demented cult. There are moments that give us insight into some underlying theme, but nothing is explored beyond the surface. However, what it lacks in depth, it makes up for in the pure insanity that propels the story into unexpected territory.
Whether Beetz is wielding an ax on fire or a bloody machete, she delivers perfection while barefoot throughout the entirety of the runtime. She’s magnetic and downright fierce as she takes down cultists on the various floors of this massive New York building. Once she makes it to the final boss level, you can’t help but wonder how she’s going to make it out of this building. What starts off as a unique take on cult horror starts to lose its edge about halfway through. But the third act picks back up in full force. Asia’s journey to the end is an inventive and exhilarating one worth your time.
Will It Kill You?
In tandem with Isaac Bauman’s fluid cinematography, the over-the-top sound design, and almost Jackie Chan-style choreography, Sokolov delivers a visceral spectacle. They Will Kill You takes big risks and goes for it with its action. Although it falls short when it comes to storytelling or any real connection to its characters. However, if you’re here for a bloody good time, a bloody good time you shall have.
