"The Things You Kill" is a 2025 mystery film written and directed by Alireza Khatami. The film stars Ekin Koç as Ali, a university professor who solicits his gardener to seek vengeance after the suspicious death of his mother. Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü, and Ercan Kesal provide supporting roles. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival as part of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Why it is trending: its intense psychological drama, gripping mystery, and the festival buzz from its Sundance premiere.
Plot Summary
Ali, a Turkish-born university professor teaching in the United States, returns to Turkey upon the suspicious death of his ailing mother. During his grieving process, Ali reveals his resentment for his estranged father and befriends a gardener named Reza, whom he enlists to avenge his mother's death.
Director's Vision
Alireza Khatami aims to explore themes of masculinity, familial legacy, and the psychological impacts of grief and revenge. He has cited the work of David Lynch as a primary inspiration, aiming to blend unorthodox stylistic choices with a narrative that challenges audience expectations.
Themes
Masculinity and Identity:Â The film delves into the malaise of masculinity and the legacy of paternal violence, examining how these elements shape personal and cultural identities.
Grief and Revenge:Â It portrays the psychological turmoil following a loved one's suspicious death and the subsequent desire for vengeance.
Familial Relationships:Â The narrative explores strained family dynamics, particularly between fathers and sons, and the impact of unresolved conflicts.
Key Success Factors
Strong Performances: The cast, including Ekin Koç and Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, delivers compelling portrayals that bring depth to the complex characters.
Directorial Approach:Â Khatami's unique storytelling, influenced by both Eastern and Western cinematic techniques, offers a fresh perspective in the mystery genre.
Festival Recognition:Â Its selection and premiere at the Sundance Film Festival's World Cinema Dramatic Competition highlight its international appeal and critical potential.
Short Summary
"The Things You Kill" is a mystery film that follows Ali, a university professor who, after his mother's suspicious death, enlists his gardener to seek vengeance, unraveling complex themes of masculinity, grief, and familial legacy.
Awards, and Nominations
Winner Directing Award, Nominee Grand Jury Prize Sundance Film Festival 2025
Critical Reception
Early reviews have been mixed. Some critics praise its suspenseful narrative and profound themes, with one review stating, "As suspenseful as it is profound, [Alireza] Khatami exercises near-perfect genre poise."
 Others note its slow pacing, describing it as "a slow-burn Turkish drama that gets weirder, and deadlier, as the plot thickens."
Production Summary
The film was co-produced by Khatami through Tell Tall Tale, along with Elisa Sepulveda-Ruddoff from Fulgurance, Cyriac Auriol of Remora Films, Mariusz WÅ‚odarski of Lava Films, and Michael Solomon of Band With Pictures. It received support from institutions such as Eurimages, the Polish Film Institute, and Telefilm Canada.
Distribution and Sales Summary
In May 2024, Best Friend Forever acquired the international distribution rights, and Le Pacte secured the rights for distribution in France. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24 and is scheduled for a digital debut on January 30.
Release Dates and Streaming Information
Theatrical Release Date:Â Premiered at Sundance on January 24, 2025.
Streaming/VOD Release Date:Â Available digitally starting January 30, 2025.
Recommendation
This film is recommended for viewers who appreciate psychological dramas that delve into complex family dynamics and moral ambiguities. Its unique narrative structure and thematic depth offer a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/the-things-you-kill-review-sundance-turkey-1236285567/
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/the-thing-you-kill