Return of an Action Star: Zazie Beetz
Several years ago, Zazie Beetz stood out from the ensemble of a Deadpool movie as a credible action talent, largely due to her portrayal of the character Domino. Unlike characters created through computer-generated imagery, her role felt real, despite cinematic enhancements in her fight scenes. Beetz’s expressive deadpan contributed to her believable presence in the action.
New Entry: They Will Kill You
In her latest venture, They Will Kill You, Beetz returns to action, a film that appears to share similarities with the Deadpool series—much like many contemporary action films that often resemble The Raid. The film is designed like an engaging comic book, infused with humor and featuring exaggerated violence, aligning it with recent films like Ready Or Not 2 and Pretty Lethal. It even showcases characters who can persist in battle after losing limbs, reminiscent of the titular character in Deadpool.
Character Dynamics
While They Will Kill You isn’t entirely groundbreaking, it effectively traverses the John Wick to Deadpool continuum. Beetz portrays Asia Reaves, a woman just out of prison who takes a maid position at a luxurious apartment, The Virgil. Tasked with finding her younger sister Maria (Myha’la), whom she had to leave with their abusive father, Asia embodies a protective warrior. Though her character isn’t fully fleshed out, her fierce commitment to her mission lends authenticity to her role.
The Virgil’s Dark Secrets
Asia is aware that Maria is somewhere in The Virgil but underestimates the building’s dark undertones, orchestrated by its staff head Lilith (Patricia Arquette) and affluent residents like Sharon (Heather Graham) and Kevin (Tom Felton). Unlike the constant “rich people” jokes prevalent in similar films, They Will Kill You takes a slightly different approach. While the residents are affluent, they engage in some of their own sinister actions, adding intrigue and humor contrasted with the typical faceless henchmen.
Stunts and Visual Storytelling
As Asia battles unexpected threats, Beetz showcases remarkable agility akin to a dancer. Director Kirill Sokolov highlights the heroine’s movements, often emphasizing sound effects as she navigates the set. Notably, Sokolov and co-writer Alex Litvak focus on visual storytelling, which enhances the film despite some reliance on cliché dialogue. Beetz’s use of sharp language stands out, echoing styles found in classic action films.
Horror Elements and Creative Action
Sokolov and Litvak also incorporate horror elements, amplifying the film’s tension with practical effects over CGI blood. The Virgil’s unsettling truth adds an unexpected layer of fantasy and splat-stick humor. There’s a standout scene where Asia engages in a frantic struggle through small tunnels, reminiscent of classic films like Alien, leading to memorable cinematic moments.
Conclusion
Though They Will Kill You eventually loses momentum and the narrative could feel repetitive, it captivates audiences with high-octane action and Beetz’s compelling performance. The film doesn’t require profound human connections to succeed; it thrives on Beetz’s ability to convincingly endure relentless challenges.
