The action genre has seen a strong 2024 with standout films like Monkey Man and The Beekeeper making waves, while Badland Hunters and Sixty Minutes have captivated audiences on Netflix.
Now, Boy Kills World enters the scene, bringing its own bizarre and gory flair to the genre. Much like its lead character, Boy (played by Bill Skarsgård), the film has a rough, unpolished quality, but when it hits its stride, it delivers a powerful impact.
Boy’s life has been marked by tragedy. After witnessing the execution of his family by Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen) during his childhood, he has since been training with a mysterious shaman (Yayan Ruhian) to exact revenge.
The film’s initial act is heavy with training montages, but it includes a surreal twist: Boy experiences drug-induced visions, including conversations with his deceased sister (a remarkable debut by Quinn Copeland). Boy Kills World is a high-octane action film featuring Bill Skarsgård in a gritty, revenge-driven role that sets a new benchmark for the genre.
Boy’s deaf-mute status adds an extra layer of depth, with Skarsgård’s expressive performance conveying a lot through his face. Although he doesn’t speak, his inner thoughts are voiced by H Jon Benjamin, reflecting Boy’s affection for his favorite childhood arcade game.
This engaging setup culminates in a dynamic, bloody action sequence where Boy’s initial revenge attempt fails. He joins forces with rebels Basho (Andrew Koji) and Benny (Isaiah Mustafa), who humorously frustrate him with their unlip-readable speech, and vows to dismantle the Van Der Koy crime syndicate.
From here, Boy Kills World maintains its high-energy pace, resembling a video game as Boy progresses through various Van Der Koy family members, including TV producer Melanie (a strikingly different role for Michelle Dockery).
Boy Kills World : Despite a Slow Third Act, Skarsgård and Mohr Shine
When the action is intense and the unconventional weapons are in play, Boy Kills World is a blast. However, as it approaches the third act, a needless plot twist slows the momentum.
Despite a drawn-out final act, which does give Yayan Ruhian a chance to shine, the film’s 110-minute runtime becomes apparent, leaving the movie on a less satisfying note compared to its exhilarating first 70 minutes.
Still, Boy Kills World serves as an impressive debut for director Moritz Mohr and a showcase of Bill Skarsgård’s action chops in anticipation of his role in this year’s The Crow.
While not perfect, Boy Kills World offers plenty of thrills for action enthusiasts.