The Things You Kill
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This comprehensive FAQ covers story, release, cast, festival history, awards, and how to watch The Things You Kill, the 2025 thriller from director Alireza Khatami.

What is The Things You Kill about?

A university professor, haunted by his mother’s suspicious death, coerces his enigmatic gardener into an act of vengeance—pulling both into a hypnotic maze of mirrors, memory, and buried family secrets.

Who directed the film?

Alireza Khatami wrote and directed The Things You Kill. Watch our exclusive director’s Q&A here.

Who stars in it?

The principal cast includes Ekin Koç, Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü, Ercan Kesal, Serhat Nalbantoğlu, Aysan Sümercan, and Selen Kurtaran.

When does it open in the United States?

The film is slated to open in select U.S. theaters on November 14, 2025.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, the official trailer can be viewed here.

What is the runtime?

The official runtime is 115 minutes.

What genre is it?

A slow-burn thriller with psychological and mystery elements. Critics note its eerie, ambiguous atmosphere and familial psychodrama.

What language is the film in, and which countries produced it?

Primarily Turkish; it’s an international co-production involving Canada, Turkey, Poland, and France.

Which festivals has it played?

World Premiere: Sundance Film Festival 2025 (World Cinema Dramatic Competition). It has also screened on the international festival circuit.

Did it win any awards?

Yes—The Things You Kill won the Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic at Sundance 2025.

Is there an official website for The Things You Kill?

Yes, it is at located at thethingsyoukill.com

Is it Canada’s Oscar® submission?

Yes. Telefilm Canada announced the film as Canada’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards®.

What themes does the movie explore?

Grief, patriarchal violence, moral compromise, and the psychological cost of revenge—often presented with surreal, dreamlike undertones.

Is it very violent or graphic?

It contains thriller-genre tension and moments of violence rooted in revenge and family trauma; exact ratings and advisories vary by territory and are still being finalized.

What is the film’s rating?

A formal U.S. rating has not been publicly confirmed at this time.

Who plays the professor and the gardener?

Ekin Koç portrays Ali, the Turkish-born professor; Erkan Kolçak Köstendil appears as Reza, the enigmatic gardener.

Where was it filmed?

Set and filmed in Turkey, aligning with the story’s return-to-homeland premise and Turkish dialogue.

Who’s distributing it?

International distributors include Mongrel Media (Canada) and others for Europe; U.S. distribution details for the limited theatrical release will be noted in local listings and trade updates.

How have critics responded?

Reviews highlight its “slow-burn” tension, hypnotic mood, and psychologically layered approach to revenge and family secrecy.

Will it be available on streaming or VOD?

Following the theatrical roll-out, VOD/streaming plans will be announced by distributors; watch trade outlets for updates.

Is there a soundtrack release?

A dedicated soundtrack announcement has not been widely reported yet—check back here for updates as they become available.

How can I stay updated?

This official website FAQ for The Things You Kill will provide all news about the the movie.