Kirill Sokolov says his lifelong love of cinema motivated him to bring “They Will Kill You” to life.
Director Kirill Sokolov approaches filmmaking with an obsession with filmmaking. For him, “They Will Kill You” is more than just another project. It’s a passionate drama rooted in his lifelong love of movies and his desire to give audiences an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster.
The film tells the story of a woman who searches for her missing sister and finds herself drawn into a dangerous cult, forcing her to confront her fears, loyalties, and survival. The film blends horror, action, dark humor, and an emotional story, delivering spectacle on the surface while exploring deeper themes.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmore spoke with Sokoloff about his creative obsession, why Zazie Beetz is the engine behind the film’s intensity, and how fear can divide people or bring them together, depending on how they respond to adversity.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: Wonderful movie. The trailer doesn’t really reveal anything.
Kirill Sokolov: I’m very happy. You know, my pain was when we released the trailer. I tried not to read the comments but I couldn’t help myself. I got caught up in this spiral, and every second of the review was like, “Oh, they showed the whole movie.” I really wanted to write, “No, we didn’t. Trust us, we didn’t.”
Chuck Creekmur: Where does the motivation come from? Are there any obsessions that inspire you?
Kirill Sokolov: I just love making movies. I love this process. I’ve been watching movies my whole life. When I was a kid, I played movies in my imagination. It’s so great when you get the chance to make a movie that you do whatever it takes to make it.
I know I’m a little crazy, but this passion can help you overcome a lot of problems and difficulties and get to the finish line. Yesterday, when we screened it, I heard and felt the audience’s reaction, and when you manage to do something that makes the audience emotional for 90 minutes, you understand… what could be better?
Chuck Creekmore: Right. It grabs you and never lets go. Let’s talk about Zazie Beetz.
Kirill Sokolov: She is a goddess. She really made this movie. She is in basically every shot. She was on set every day, with almost no days off. There was so much movement that it was a challenge for her body.
She rehearsed for four months before the film was released and was well prepared. She trained with our stunt people, every fight was rehearsed like a dance, she knew every move. Then she ran in and did most of the work herself. Real fire runs, fights with people, sparks fly.
She flies in the elevator shaft. I was shocked at how far she was willing to go and never gave up, giving everything she had for this movie. This belief and trust is so inspiring. I’m grateful that she believes that.
I really think she created a character that will stay with us. I’d love to see people dress like her at Comic-Con. I can see this happening.
Chuck Creekmur: Does fear bring us together or tear us apart?
Kirill Sokolov: That’s interesting. Probably depends on what kind of fear. Sometimes it can be both. Even in this story, it’s about two sisters facing the same evil but choosing different paths. This shows how people react differently to real-life problems and where this can lead.
It’s hard to say which path is right, which path leads to victory or the other way around. It depends on the person. it’s complicated.
Chuck Creekmore: Congratulations. I heard someone say finishing this movie was like finishing a marathon.
Kirill Sokolov: Thank you very much. Thanks.
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