The new horror film ‘They Will Kill You’, directed by Kirill Sokolov, draws inspiration from an intriguing and somewhat eerie personal experience he had while living in a peculiar apartment. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Sokolov shared insights into the origin of the film, describing the odd circumstances he encountered that eventually blossomed into the chilling narrative seen on screen.
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Sokolov and his wife moved into a 16-storey building a decade ago, only to discover an unusual demographic of residents. “Everyone else in this building was over 65, mostly lonely ladies,” he recalled, noting that this oddity served as a peculiar warning sign. He soon stumbled upon an alarming feature in their apartment—a hole located behind the kitchen cabinet that connected to the neighbouring flat. This discovery initiated a series of lighthearted but ominous conversations between the couple about potentially living in a cult’s lair, filled with dark intentions.
This playful speculation shifted dramatically when Sokolov viewed the classic horror film ‘Rosemary’s Baby’, which he found to resonate profoundly with his own experiences. “I realised, ‘Oh, that’s it. That’s where we were’,” he explained, emphasising how the film’s themes aligned with his earlier suspicions about the nature of their building. This reflection eventually led him to partner with Alex Litvak, a close friend, to pen the script for ‘They Will Kill You’, transforming a mere anecdote into a gripping horror story.
The film tells the tale of a young woman who must navigate the perilous and nightmarish environment of the Virgil, a hotel run by a satanic cult. Starring a talented ensemble cast including Zazie Beetz, Patricia Arquette, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Myha’la, ‘They Will Kill You’ aims to deliver both thrilling action and a deeper exploration of themes like sisterhood amidst bloodshed.
Having premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March 2026, the film is filled with intense moments, including scenes of beheadings and other visceral horror elements. However, Sokolov underlined that, at its core, the film explores the bonds between women in difficult situations, adding another layer to the narrative that goes beyond traditional horror.
In an amusing moment during the interview, Sokolov laughed heartily when asked if he still resided in that unsettling apartment, adamantly confirming he had long since moved on—repeating his response multiple times, each time with increasing amusement. He further mentioned that he does not believe the cast members are aware of the backstory that fuelled his creative process, yet their dedication to the project was palpable.
The director expressed his elation about the enthusiasm exhibited by the cast as they engaged with the screenplay. “People who read the script just got excited and believed in it,” he said, highlighting the unique nature of the project as a driving factor for the actors’ passion. Sokolov recognised the significance of bringing together accomplished actors like Zazie Beetz and Patricia Arquette, who have extensive careers, to embark on a film that explores themes they might not have tackled before.
Witnessing the cast’s passion for ‘They Will Kill You’ was, according to Sokolov, the greatest honour of his career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create such a compelling project that draws on personal experiences while showcasing the talents of a stellar cast. The director affirmed that the final product, which he sees as an impressive achievement, stands as testament to their hard work and creativity.
‘They Will Kill You’ is now screening in theatres, invited audiences to experience the chilling story woven from Sokolov’s uncanny past in a building full of surprises. With its blend of horror and meaningful storytelling, the film promises to leave viewers on the edge of their seats while provoking thought about the deeper connections between its characters.