The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, renowned for unveiling future cult classics, has this year spotlighted the horror-comedy “They Will Kill You.” Despite featuring a star-studded cast including Zazie Beetz and Patricia Arquette, it is Heather Graham’s compelling performance and a peculiar sentient eyeball that have captured audiences’ attention in Austin.
Directed by Kirill Sokolov and produced by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, known for their work on “IT” and “The Flash,” the film centers on Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz), a woman recently released from prison who accepts a lucrative housekeeping position at “The Virgil,” a luxury high-rise in New York City. However, the building conceals a dark secret as the base of a violent Satanic cult. What starts as a routine job interview quickly escalates into a brutal survival ordeal reminiscent of “Kill Bill,” featuring flaming axes, secret rituals, and a sharp “eat the rich” commentary.
While Beetz drives much of the action, Heather Graham stands out as Sharon, a high-society cult member seeking vengeance. Graham, who has recently embraced roles in indie horror such as “Suitable Flesh,” has expressed enthusiasm for portraying a darker character. She highlighted the intense fight choreography and the theme of “female rage” that fuels the narrative.
Meanwhile, the film’s most unexpected sensation at SXSW was “Iris,” an animatronic eyeball that autonomously navigates the building. This surreal element has been praised for injecting a darkly humorous, cartoon-like quality into the film’s exaggerated gore. The eyeball sequence quickly went viral, solidifying the movie’s potential as a midnight cult favorite.
Produced by New Line Cinema and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, “They Will Kill You” will have preview screenings on Thursday, March 26, 2026, before its official theatrical release on Friday, March 27. For viewers seeking a break from conventional Oscar contenders, this smart, unpretentious, and blood-soaked film promises to be a standout choice this weekend.
