They Will Kill You Review: A Stylish, Gory Revenge Ride That Carves Its Own Lane

By Klep Napier | Wearecritix.com

If They Will Kill You wasn’t already on your radar, it should be now. The latest thriller starring Zazie Beetz is officially in theaters now, and while it may look familiar on the surface, this one brings enough style, chaos, and originality to stand on its own.

At first glance, the film feels like it’s pulling from a mix of influences. You’ll catch shades of Kill Bill and Ready or Not almost immediately. But once the story gets moving, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t just another copy-and-paste revenge thriller. The film follows a woman on a brutal mission to rescue her sister from a demonic, cult-like family operating inside a sinister hotel. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Where They Will Kill You truly shines is in its execution. Zazie Beetz absolutely commands the screen here. Her performance is fearless, physical, and fully committed. You can feel her presence in every fight sequence, and it’s clear she had a strong hand in shaping the action. The choreography hits hard, feels intentional, and adds a level of authenticity that elevates the entire experience.

Continue reading our watch our full video review and breakdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZVHhYnPOAw

Visually, the film is just as striking. The cinematography and set design lean into a unique blend of styles that feel like a mash-up of Tarantino’s grit, Wes Anderson’s symmetry, and Stanley Kubrick’s unsettling precision. The hotel setting in particular stands out, delivering eerie, almost surreal imagery that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

The supporting cast adds even more flavor to the chaos. Heather Graham brings an unhinged energy to the screen, while Tom Felton delivers a surprisingly comedic performance that works perfectly within the film’s twisted tone. The rest of the family members are equally over-the-top, creating a cast of characters that feel unpredictable, dangerous, and at times, downright absurd in the best way possible.

And then there’s the tone. This film fully embraces its identity as a dark, gory, action-packed ride. It doesn’t try to be prestige cinema, and honestly, it doesn’t need to be.

This is a full-on popcorn movie that knows exactly what it is. The humor is sharp, the violence is unapologetic, and the pacing keeps things moving from start to finish.

One of the standout elements is how the film builds its central character, Asia Reeves. Her name is repeated throughout the film in a way that feels intentional, almost myth-building. By the time you leave the theater, it sticks. There’s a real sense that this character could live beyond the film, whether through fan cosplay or just audience memory. She feels iconic in a way that a lot of modern action characters don’t quite reach.

That said, the film isn’t without its familiar beats. The core concept may remind audiences of other films that explore deadly family dynamics and survival horror setups. But even within those familiar frameworks, They Will Kill You finds ways to inject originality, particularly through its weapon choreography, visual storytelling, and a few unexpected twists that genuinely catch you off guard.

As we wrap our They Will Kill You review we want to remind you that it's not trying to win awards, it’s trying to entertain, and it absolutely succeeds. It’s stylish, chaotic, and packed with enough personality to separate itself from the films it draws inspiration from.

If you’re looking for a fun, dark, action-heavy theater experience, this one is worth the ticket.