Zazie Beetz Shines in Gory, Absurdist Thriller 'They Will Kill You'

The new horror-comedy blends '70s kung fu and blaxploitation styles with Looney Tunes-esque mayhem.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:00pm

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In the new horror-comedy 'They Will Kill You,' Zazie Beetz stars as Asia, an ex-con who infiltrates an exclusive Manhattan high-rise called The Virgil, posing as a housekeeper to find her missing sister. Beetz's gritty, committed performance anchors the film's blend of '70s kung fu and blaxploitation influences with over-the-top Looney Tunes-style gore and absurdity.

Why it matters

The film marks the English-language debut of Russian director Kirill Sokolov, who brings a unique visual style and tone to the horror-comedy genre. Beetz's turn as the tough, resourceful protagonist establishes her as a rising star in action and genre films.

The details

Asia must fight her way up through the floors of The Virgil, which are meant to reflect the nine circles of Hell from Dante's 'Inferno.' The movie abandons this conceit after the first few floors, instead focusing on the increasingly gory and comedic set pieces as Asia battles a Satanic cabal residing in the building. The supporting cast, including Patricia Arquette, Heather Graham, and Tom Felton, provide over-the-top performances that complement Beetz's grounded presence.

  • The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on March 15, 2026.
  • It is scheduled for wide theatrical release on March 28, 2026.

The players

Zazie Beetz

The rising star who anchors the film with her gritty, committed performance as the ex-con protagonist Asia.

Kirill Sokolov

The Russian director making his English-language debut with 'They Will Kill You,' bringing a unique visual style and tone to the horror-comedy genre.

Patricia Arquette

The veteran actress plays Lilith, the century-old superintendent of The Virgil, with a cringeworthy Irish accent.

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What they’re saying

“Zazie Beetz emphatically does [belong in this movie]. She knows exactly what movie she's making and throws herself into every hidden passage and machete melee with the right blend of gravitas and glee.”

— Tori Preston, Film Critic

“They Will Kill You may hint at larger themes at times, or tease influences and references to mull over, but it never demands anything so cerebral from the audience. Instead, the movie seems to get swept up in its own visceral pleasures and absurdity.”

— Tori Preston, Film Critic

What’s next

The film is scheduled to have its wide theatrical release on March 28, 2026, following its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier that month.

The takeaway

They Will Kill You blends '70s kung fu and blaxploitation influences with over-the-top Looney Tunes-style gore and absurdity, anchored by Zazie Beetz's gritty, committed performance as the tough, resourceful protagonist. The result is a unique, genre-blending horror-comedy that establishes director Kirill Sokolov as a talent to watch.