I’m usually one to watch trailers for new movies coming out, simply because I can’t avoid them on social media, and it’s part of my job to stay updated with entertainment news. But one movie I hadn’t watched any marketing material for is “They Will Kill You,” the new horror-comedy from director Kirill Sokolov, which sees Zazie Beetz’s heroine surviving a night trapped with a satanic cult. Because of my lack of knowledge, I came away from this movie absolutely speechless.
Tom’s Guide Verdict: ‘They Will Kill You’
- Rating: 3/5 stars
- Verdict: “They Will Kill You” is a wildly entertaining, over-the-top horror-action ride. Zazie Beetz dominates as a badass heroine, with impressive action, fire-axe chaos, and inventive kills keeping you hooked. The story is familiar and supporting characters underused, but the stylish spectacle, relentless energy, and unhinged fun make it a must-watch guilty pleasure.
- Where to watch: “They Will Kill You” premieres in U.S. theaters on March 37
“They Will Kill You” is probably the craziest movie I’ve ever watched, and that’s coming from someone who watches her fair share of horror flicks. This comedy-tinged horror, also starring Tom Felton and Heather Graham, takes the chaos to the next level, delivering a 95-minute film packed with gruesome kills, wandering eyeballs, pig masks and a cult with horrific creativity.
I was initially worried that “They Will Kill You” might feel less impactful, given that it’s released just a week after “Ready or Not 2” (which also features a badass woman trying to escape a cult). But surprisingly, I actually prefer Sokolov’s movie, simply because it fully leans into its horror elements while going completely bonkers. Here’s why I’m urging you to see “They Will Kill You” on the big screen.
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‘They Will Kill You’ is the definition of unhinged
The movie begins with Asia Reaves (Beetz) making a choice that will haunt her forever: She escapes her abusive father with her sister Maria, shoots him when he corners them, and then flees the cops, leaving Maria (Myha’la) behind. The fallout is brutal since Asia ends up in prison, while Maria is returned to captivity. Years later, Asia infiltrates The Virgil, a posh New York building, posing as a maid. But nothing prepares her for the satanic cult that is about to unleash chaos.
“They Will Kill You” literally thrives on pure spectacle, with Sokolov chasing every opportunity to shock and delight the audience. It flirts with the energy of Quentin Tarantino and Sam Raimi, though it doesn’t quite reach Tarantino’s precision or Raimi’s slapstick timing. Still, it’s a blast, thanks in large part to Zazie Beetz, perfectly cast as the badass heroine, and the film delivers so much stylish, over-the-top violence that my entire screening was roaring with laughter.
That includes one of the best action scenes of 2026, with Asia wielding a fire axe and unleashing her rage on a group of cultists. There are brutal kills involving a shotgun and a machete, plus some seriously badass hand-to-hand combat, with clever use of surrounding objects adding to the body count. “They Will Kill You” is at its strongest when it leans on Asia for both visual and physical storytelling. The action sequences are inventive and well-choreographed, and with Beetz bringing it all to life, the film has you completely in its grip.
The rest of the film is more uneven. The story feels familiar, and the characters spend too much time explaining rather than showing, which blunts emotional impact. Supporting characters, especially Felton, are underutilized. Still, there’s enough fun and inventiveness here to make the movie worth a watch. It’s not as original as it wants to be, but these days, being bold and ambitious is praise in itself.
Verdict: ‘They Will Kill You’ is absolutely crazy, in the best way
“They Will Kill You” is the perfect guilty pleasure movie. Cinematographer Isaac Bauman and director Kirill Sokolov turn every frame into a visual feast, even when you’re mostly seeing dramatic sprays of blood. While the story doesn’t always lead anywhere memorable, one standout element is Zazie Beetz. She owns her first lead in an action-horror comedy, elevating Asia beyond the typical final girl archetype into a compelling heroine. It’s satisfying to watch her fulfill her revenge arc while landing as many shots, swings, and punches as possible along the way.
The downside of all the fun is that there’s not a ton of story underneath, given how much this movie wants to focus on the mayhem and seriously cool action sequences. But honestly, “They Will Kill You” is a savage, stylish, and non-stop horror ride that hardly lets you catch your breath. Sometimes, all you need is an unhinged movie that has you saying “WTF” when leaving the theater.
“They Will Kill You” hits U.S theaters on March 27
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