Plot: What’s it about?
Longtime readers of this site might be aware of my, hmmm…, disdain for some of the choices made by the filmmakers in Hollywood. And if you’re not, don’t worry baby birds – I’ll feed ya. In addition to the multiple remakes/reboots/sequels and so forth there’s always been somewhat of a trend of the “same” movie coming out just a few months before/after another of the same genre. A few examples that come to mind are Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line and Wyatt Earp and Tombstone. Again, just to name a few. Now we’ve got They Will Kill You. This comes out just one week after the theatrical release of Ready or Not 2. Granted, one has an antecedent and the other is “new” but is it? Let’s find out.
We meet Asia (Zazie Beetz), the newest housekeeper at The Virgil – a high-rise in the Big Apple. On her first day she meets her boss, Lilith (Patricia Arquette) along with several other of the wealthy tenants who reside there. There’s Sharon (Heather Graham) and Kevin (Tom Felton) just to name a couple. Asia quickly learns that there’s something odd about them and deduces that they all worship Satan. They’ve made a pact with the devil in exchange for their immortality and, wouldn’t you know it, Asia is their next sacrifice (or victim, depending on your perspective). They also lean that she’s there to resume her sister, Maria (Myha’la), who’s enslaved inside the building. This gives her the drive to survive which, of course, leads to a series of graphic fight scenes. The game is on.
While this isn’t a carbon copy of Ready or Not (or its sequel), the themes are close enough that you’ll feel like you’ve seen this before. To its credit, this isn’t a waste of time. I found it intriguing and well worth my time. And I was a fan of the director’s earlier work – Why Don’t You Just Die! I mean, hell, even the name is derivative. To that end, odds are that you will either be a fan of one or the other (or in my case – both). There’s enough action to keep your attention, but it’s also the film’s undoing in that it tends to lead the viewer away from the plot of the movie. But if it’s sheer entertainment you’re after – look no further.
Video: How’s it look?
The film’s 2.20:1 HEVC 4K image is jaw droppingly good. Given that the majority of the film takes place indoors, there’s a very claustrophobic effect at play. And it works. Colors seem a bit on the baked side, but that’s by design and certainly not a fault of Warner’s transfer. Detail is spot on with strong, bold contrast right on the mark as well. There’s also an element at play here that I just can’t seem to put my finger on – it’s just a bit…different. I’m sure it’ll come to me and I’ll be able to articulate it, but know that what you’re viewing will more than satisfy.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The Dolby Atmos soundtrack gets plenty of chances to flex its muscle, mainly during the film’s third act, but nevertheless – your speakers won’t go unused. Vocals are sharp, rich and crisp with some ambient surround effects that make for a dizzying, yet oddly satisfying, impact. It’s a winner.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Director’s Log: The Making of They Will Kill You – A documentary-style feature following director and the cast throughout the production process. From creative meetings with executive producers to deep dives with the VFX and prosthetics teams, this piece offers an intimate look at the creative and technical forces behind the film.
- Developing the Virgil – A look into the film’s most iconic location: The Virgil, a nine-floor art deco building inspired by Dante’s Inferno. This piece showcases the building’s intricate design, surreal art direction, and how each floor was constructed to reflect a different level of psychological descent.
- Asia Reaves’ Attacks – This action-packed piece breaks down all the major fight scenes in the film, complete with stunts, spoilers, and cinematic chaos.
- Crafting Carnage – Unravel how the film’s most intense moments were brought to life using hands-on techniques, from puppets and prosthetics to practical effects and choreographed gags.
The Bottom Line
Comparisons to other films of the genre, of which there are more than a few, likely stagnated this one at the box office. I, for one, found it enjoying and if you’re into the “elite killing people for the hell of it” genre, this one is for you.
