Get ready to be gripped by a tale of family secrets, betrayal, and revenge that will leave you questioning everything. But here’s where it gets controversial: The Things You Kill, a Turkish-language thriller with Farsi dialogue, dares to explore the dark corners of familial trauma—and it’s already sparking debate. The film, directed by Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Alireza Khatami, follows Ali (played by Ekin Koç), a Turkish college professor whose life unravels after his ailing mother’s mysterious death. And this is the part most people miss: Ali’s grief turns to rage when he discovers his domineering father (Ercan Kesal) had abused his mother for years. What follows is a chilling quest for vengeance, as Ali enlists his enigmatic gardener to carry out a deadly plan.
The trailer, released Wednesday ahead of its U.S. theatrical debut on November 14, offers a glimpse into Ali’s fractured world. We see him in his late mother’s house, piecing together the circumstances of her death—was it an accident, or something far more sinister? Amidst chaotic scenes of turmoil at home and work, Ali declares, ‘I’m not afraid anymore,’ a line that hints at both his trauma and his determination. But here’s the twist: The film doesn’t just stay a family drama. As The Hollywood Reporter’s Jordan Mintzer notes, it takes a sharp turn into surreal, almost Buñuel-esque territory, with identities blurred, bodies discarded, and a narrative that defies easy explanations. Khatami’s bold storytelling leaves audiences questioning reality—and morality.
Selected by Canada to compete in the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, The Things You Kill is more than just a thriller; it’s a provocative exploration of guilt, justice, and the lengths one will go to for retribution. Co-produced by Canada, France, Poland, and Turkey, the film also stars Erkan Kolçak Köstendil and Hazar Ergüçlü, and is based on Khatami’s own screenplay. Its win for the Directing Award at Sundance’s World Cinema Dramatic competition only adds to its buzz.
Here’s the controversial question: Does Ali’s pursuit of revenge justify his actions, or does it make him just as culpable as his father? Khatami doesn’t provide easy answers, leaving viewers to grapple with the moral ambiguities. Produced by Khatami alongside Elisa Sepulveda-Ruddoff, Cyriac Auriol, Mariusz Włodarski, and Michael Solomon, the film is set to be released in the U.S. by Cineverse. Whether you see it as a masterpiece or a moral maze, one thing’s for sure: The Things You Kill will stay with you long after the credits roll. What’s your take? Let’s debate in the comments!
