Scotland’s wild, untamed landscapes have birthed legends of vengeful spirits and curses that echo through the ages. It’s here, in the remote and unforgiving terrain of East Ayrshire, that KILL unfolds—an intense thriller that promises to leave an indelible mark on the genre. Directed by Rodger Griffiths and brought to life by the veteran Scottish production company Synchronicity Films, KILL is not just another thriller; it’s a haunting exploration of the dark recesses of human nature.
KILL follows the harrowing journey of three brothers who, driven to the edge by their violent and abusive father, take matters into their own hands in the most extreme way possible. After a brutal confrontation in the depths of the Scottish wilderness, they bury their father in a shallow grave, believing their nightmare is finally over. But as they return to the scene of the crime, hoping to secure their inheritance by retrieving the key to the family safe, they find the grave empty. What was supposed to be the end of their torment becomes the beginning of a new nightmare, as the brothers are forced to confront not only their past sins but a terrifying new threat that stalks them through the forest.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble of Scottish talent, including Daniel Portman (known for his role as Podrick Payne in “Game of Thrones”), Brian Vernel (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Dunkirk”), Paul Higgins (“The Thick of It,” “Line of Duty”), Calum Ross (“Wednesday”), and James Harkness (“Darkest Hour,” “Rogue One”).
Shot on location at an estate in Kilmarnock, KILL is as much a love letter to the Scottish countryside as it is a chilling tale of suspense. The film’s cinematography captures the eerie beauty of the region, where every rustling leaf and shadowed glen seems to hide something sinister. It’s a setting that amplifies the tension, making every moment of the brothers’ ordeal feel as though it could be their last.
Selected for the 2023 Edinburgh Film Festival, KILL has already garnered critical acclaim, with The Herald describing it as “Taut and Original,” and Loud and Clear calling it a “Non-Stop Thriller.” It’s a film that doesn’t just test the nerves—it shreds them, leaving audiences questioning what they would do in the brothers’ shoes as loyalty and fear collide in a deadly game of survival.
For those eager to experience the tension and terror KILL promises, watch the trailer below. Immerse yourself in the chilling atmosphere and prepare for the full experience when KILL arrives in Scottish cinemas on September 13th.
As the release date draws near, one thing is certain: KILL is set to carve out its place in the annals of horror cinema. It’s a chilling reminder that in the Scottish wilderness, the past never stays buried, and the darkness within us all is never far from the surface.
