Movie Reviews

‘Why Don’t You Just Die!’ Review: Tarantino tinged exploitation is an extremely bloody fun ride

Few movies are as bloody as ‘Why Don’t You Just Die!’

March 29, 2020

Quentin Tarantino’s influence can be felt on movies around the world. In fact, there is a whole sub genre of films that were inspired by the director. As expected, these are of varying quality. Why Don’t You Just Die! is a Russian black comedy that is an example of a good one.

Matvei has been asked by his girlfriend Olya to murder her father. He is reluctant at first, but when he learns why she wants it done, he agrees. However, things are quite as they first seemed and killing someone can be harder than expected.

Few movies are as bloody as Why Don’t You Just Die! The film is filled with over the top moments and scenes that will take its audience aback. The amount of blood in some of the scenes is nothing short of ridiculous. From blood graphically shooting out of people’s necks to entire bedrooms soaked in red, the film does not hold back. This is definitely not a movie for the squeamish.

Director Kirill Sokolov does a great job of never making the excessive violence off putting. Why Don’t You Just Die! Is the right mix of comedy and action. It is a very thin line when it comes to large amounts of gore. At some point, it stops being effective and does not even work as a joke. Sokolov makes sure every moment works. The extreme nature enhances the film and never becomes moot.

This is thanks to the engaging story. Sokolov wrote a great story that keeps the audience engaged the entire time. Told in chapters, Why Don’t You Just Die! Is filled with twists and turns that remain interesting. The vast majority of the film happens in an apartment unit and the characters elevate the story. The fast paced story never slows down and viewers will not want to look away.

As great as the action scenes and humor are, Sokolov’s direction is the highlight of the movie. Never sticking with one style, the camerawork is eye catching. Sokolov’s work is very creative as seen in an early scene involving a pseudo split screen shot involving a bathtub. Filled with manic quick shots and deliberate mood setting scenes the film is impossible to look away from.

Why Don’t You Just Die! Is the modern day equivalent of a 1970s exploitation movie. Unlike those films, it does not rely on an overabundance of blood and violence, however. The action and comedy may take precedent, but the story is never ignored. The film is a wild tale of betrayal and lies that will keep the audience entertained the entire time.

Why Don’t You Just Die! will be available nationwide for streaming on April 20