Sometimes SXSW is the perfect festival for a film to premiere at: The festival is very audience-driven, and those attending know exactly what they’re there for. Such is the case for Kirill Sokolov’s action horror comedy They Will Kill You. With elements of Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise in this blood-soaked tale, They Will Kill You is the perfect amount of absurd and relentless blood-sprayed fun.

Following Asia Reaves (Beetz), who has dealt with a domestic crisis that lands her in jail and away from her sister, Maria (Myha’La). Once she gets out, her only mission is to find Maria and rescue her. In order to do that, Asia must take a job as a maid at The Virgil, an exclusive high-rise residence for the elite. However, appearances are initially deceiving. What already seems like a place that is deeply disturbed takes a turn for the demonic when it is revealed that The Virgil is home to a Satanic cult, and Asia is the newest sacrifice.

Sokolov wastes no time getting into the meat of things, which is perhaps the weakest aspect of the world-building this film both does and doesn’t do. Asia doesn’t even get a full night’s rest before she’s awoken by residents breaking into her room to kidnap her. Immediately, Asia is subjected to an endless barrage of attacks, forcing her to protect herself. She doesn’t even have shoes!

They Will Kill You picks up and never really slows down. It’s a relentless stream of violence, allowing Beetz to showcase her physicality. As she moves through The Virgil on her quest to find Maria, no fight is the same. Asia clearly has multiple influences for her particular fighting style, which is a clever way to keep the action from getting repetitive. Production design should be applauded as well; what could have been just as repetitive as the action sees new, if brief, glimpses into the different levels of the high-rise.

Gore, absurdity, and a stellar supporting cast

Beetz, though alluring, is not the only standout character in this film. Patricia Arquette, clearly having the time of her life, is Lily, the steadfast pseudo-matriarch of The Virgil. Heather Graham is Sharon, a dutiful and violent member who is, arguably, the most ruthless of the group. Tom Felton also gets a chance to take center stage, rounding out the trio that stalks Asia throughout the bowels of The Virgil. Each character can stand on their own, squaring up against Asia in believable animosity.

Though an entertaining venture and a surefire crowd-pleaser, They Will Kill You would have no doubted benefited from a little more world-building. The sisterly dynamic is compelling, Asia’s love for Maria clear, but maybe just a little more could have had the audiences further emoting with their plight. However, these are small issues, and the film as a whole still manages to hit the mark.

Sokolov knows what he’s doing in his scene compositions and in his fight choreography. This is a film that is meticulous, down to the last detail. It’s also ridiculous, but in such a way that endears it to you further. It isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It knows you want carnage and bloodshed, and They Will Kill You is more than happy to deliver all of that and then some. Throw in a renegade eyeball sleuthing around in the vents, and you’re only touching on what you’re in for.