Satanists that can’t die. Swords. Zazie Beetz. All of the pieces are there for a monumental film filled with action and blood. While some of those pieces are definitely apparent, ‘They Will Kill You’ doesn’t always equal the sum of it’s parts. ‘They Will Kill You’ attempts to cobble together multiple genres with an infusion of flavor from the blaxploitation films of the 1970s. The ingredients were there for an epic film, but, unfortunately, there was so much going on that the influences felt underused at times. That’s not to say the film isn’t a good time, it just doesn’t quite hit all of the notes it needs to. In a theater filled with people, ‘They Will Kill You’ is just what the doctor ordered: A fun, bloody action movie with regenerating Satanists.
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Asia Reeves (Zazie Beetz) bailed on her sister, Maria, leaving her with their abusive father. Coming back years later, Asia has tracked Maria to an apartment building that, oh by the way, just so happens to be a cover for a Satanic cult that has found a way to become immortal. The brutal beatdown that comes in the well paced, hour and a half, action packed bloodfest is pure carnage. The film for all of it’s flaws is actually a lot of fun and well worth a trip to the cinema.
Part ‘Afro Samurai,’ Part ‘Kill Bill,’ Part ‘Ready or Not’
The problem with ‘They Will Kill You’ is it wants to be too many things, so much so that it can’t fully focus on what it does well. The film is giving big ‘Afro Samurai’ vibes, which is an absolute compliment. That show is one of the few gems that doesn’t get talked about enough. The film also feels a lot like the best parts of ‘Kill Bill’ and when added with the ‘Afro Samurai’ vibes, ‘They Will Kill You’ hits all cylinders, functioning as a full fledged multigenre banger.
Timing plays a role in what I consider the films other biggest drawback and, while outside of the film’s control, it does impact the enjoyment of an audience. ‘Ready or Not 2’ released two weeks ago making ‘They Will Kill You’ feel like the ‘Antz’ in the ‘A Bug’s Life’/’Antz’ battle of the late 90s. While the take is fresh and I did enjoy it, the premise felt done before given the proximity.
Zazie Beetz Down, Part II
We’ve known Zazie Beetz has action chops since ‘Deadpool 2.’ Her ability to effortlessly flow with the choreography helps with the suspension of disbelief. It feels real. Beetz is larger than life on screen and the martial art influence comes across flawlessly. Again, this movie is at it’s best when there is action going on on the screen. ‘They Will Kill You’ is a kick ass good time when Zazie Beetz is throwing down on scren.
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‘They Will Kill You’ boasts one of the best supporting casts of the season. Tom Felton, Patricia Arquette, and Heather Graham are crowd favorites that get a lot of screen time and love on screen. There given some great material and they all make the most of it. Felton and Graham show off some of their comedic chops. Arquette gets to flex some of her dramatic muscles, sprinkling a touch of comedy for flair. The cast is truly exceptional and makes the most of what they’re given.
Final Thought:
‘They Will Kill You’ is exactly the popcorn movie moviegoers are hoping for. While the film doesn’t quit add up to the sum of it’s own parts, ‘They Will Kill You’ is a fun, blood soaked good time in a theater. Moviegoers won’t regret spending time with this one.
