The trailer made this look like Ready or Not but with Zazie Beetz, so I truly didn’t even finish the trailer, I knew I was in. This movie was really fun.
The opening scene lets you know that it’ll be a bit heavier than Ready or Not, but Sokolov did an excellent job of getting us right into the thick of things. The first fifteen minutes have so many delicious and subtle creepy moments that make you excited for what’s to follow.
I also love a Nope-worthy protagonist: someone who’s on edge and not oblivious to the fact that there is creepy shit happening. Ultimately we learn why, but as a viewer, it’s nice not to be thinking “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT” every other scene. That said, she does manage to sleep through some pretty creepy shit, oh my God.
Things I really enjoyed:
- The tone setting by installing a sprinkler system in Tom Felton’s neck. The consistent level of slapstick gore throughout the movie.
- The reveal when we’re exactly twenty-nine minutes in. I could not be more seated.
- I love the stylistic choices Sokolov makes throughout the movie. I like the flavoring, it adds a little je ne sais quoi. Except, je sais quoi and it’s Kill Bill: Volume 1.
- Even the sounds are funny. At one point, Zazie Beetz’s character is stepping on a dude she’s about to kill, only for us to hear a squeaky toy as her foot makes contact with his back.
- Heather Fucking Graham, apparently!
- A surprising amount of acting takes place on the players’ hands and knees, lol. Very silly.
Every single fight scene was so much fun to watch. The fire fight scene with the Doechii needle drop felt like I was watching fucking art. Having the Nova Twins for Asia’s last stand was also clutch and the pig head element was a fun twist.
They Will Kill You is what happens when Ready or Not and Kill Bill have a baby with Zazie Beetz and add a sisterly zest. I love when a movie does exactly what the fuck it set out to do. 4 stars.
