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SXSW Premiere: Horror-Comedy Challenges Tropes with Cult Escape

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kiril Sokolov directed the horror-comedy They Will Kill You, which premiered at SXSW.
The film is set for a theatrical release on March 27.
Zazie Beetz and Myha’la portray two estranged sisters who must escape a satanic cult in a New York City hotel.
During the Q&A, Kiril Sokolov said he aims to challenge horror tropes, while the cast praised the screenplay and the film's distinctive style.

History

Historical Context

The 1970s horror film boom, ignited by "The Exorcist" (1973), revolutionized the genre with its graphic storytelling and psychological depth. Filmmakers like William Friedkin and George Romero, known for "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), paved the way for a new wave of horror that reflected societal anxieties. This evolution continues today, influencing contemporary films like Kiril Sokolov's "They Will Kill You."

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Story summary

Kiril Sokolov directed the horror-comedy They Will Kill You, which premiered at SXSW.
The film is set for a theatrical release on March 27.
Zazie Beetz and Myha’la portray two estranged sisters who must escape a satanic cult in a New York City hotel.
During the Q&A, Kiril Sokolov said he aims to challenge horror tropes, while the cast praised the screenplay and the film's distinctive style.

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