Boy Kills World is a blood drenched B-movie dream come true. Bill Skarsgård always looks great covered in blood but in this stylish, high-octane thriller, he’s never looked better. A sensory overload with some wonky storytelling choices, but a fun time. 

*This review contains spoilers for Boy Kills World**

Revenge is a common motivator for protagonists in action films with the leading character seeking vengeance often through violence across their enemies and all who work alongside them. While Boy Kills World does have its hero seeking revenge for the death of a loved one, the frantic, bloody action film from director Moritz Mohr stands out from the pack with its gory, video game styled action. 

The film follows as Boy (Bill Skarsgård), who is both deaf and mute, is living in a future dystopia. When he was young, Boy lost all his family and is now raised by a shaman (Yayan Ruhian) who trains him to be a killer. Boy only has one focus in his life and that is to kill not only the family responsible for his family’s deaths, but specifically to kill their leader, Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen). The Van Der Koy family is at the center of this fictional world, and Hilda is leading the charge. Her two siblings (Michelle Dockery and Brett Gelman) each play a role in the regime, but only at Hilda’s say. 

Because Boy is both deaf and mute, he only ‘speaks’ in the film through an inner monologue, which is voiced by H. Jon Benjamin. Skarsgård gives an incredible physical performance in Boy Kills World as he communicates though his eyes, his stance, and using body language to dictate any and all emotions Boy experiences. The narration guides the audience along to any actual thoughts or concerns Boy has. 

While many may love the narration as Benjamin’s delivery is his classic shtick dry wit and almost mumbling. As someone who is not a fan of that delivery, it was the one thing that made the film feel long. However, the narration does pairs seamlessly with Boy’s confused expression as he tries to lipread his unexpected comrades in vengeance. The voice chosen as the narration is explained as Boy used to play a videogame with his sister as a young child and it’s one of his last happy memories before his family was killed. This is a great correlation with the style of the film with its high-octane, video game styled action. 

Skarsgård is asked to operate on the highest level as the 2-hour film is one action sequences after another. He not only displays the strongest proficiency in martial arts, but excels with hand-to-hand combat and fighting with swords, guns, and many crazy inventive weapons. First time director Mohr brings the blood and action consistently throughout Boy Kills World. The blood truly never stops. Skarsgård commits one brutal kill after another all while remaining wide-eyed and almost angelic, cementing Boy as an innocent who was trained for battle and nothing more. He has no other insight to the life he leads. 

The ensemble is rounded out with some of the most fun performances from the women in and supporting the Van Der Koy family. Janssen and Dockery vamp it up with ease as they deliver juicy lines, drama, and some of their own action sequences. One of the most exciting reveals of the film, while maybe obvious but still fun, is with Jessica Rothe as she showcases her action skills with several badass sequences and as she becomes the heart of the film. 

Boy Kills World is definitely full of style over substance, but there is tons of character exposition and layered plot packed into this bloodbath of a film. While everything does happen for a reason, it’s not always clear why certain things are necessary as the time does eventually feel to drag on. As soon as the film focuses back on action sequences, the blood and thirst for more wins over. Regardless of any of the film’s narrative issues, Boy Kills World comes out a pulsating spectacle that electrifies in its bloody chaos.

Skarsgård covered in blood will always get butts in seats and Boy Kills World is a blood drenched, stylish, badass time at the movies. It’s a sensory overload with nonstop action sequences, visually stunning shots at times, and crazy characters to keep you entertained. 

Grade: B+

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: Best Sound, Best Film Editing

Release Date: April 26, 2024
Where to Watch: In Select Theaters

Kenzie Vanunu
she/her @kenzvanunu
Lives in LA with her husband, daughter and dog. Misses Arclight, loves iced vanilla coffees.
Favorite Director: David Cronenberg
Sign: Capricorn