Faith and Fear Collide in Thriller

Read Time:4 Minute, 30 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Thou Shalt Kill
–

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Richard Friedman
Writer(s): Nathan Illsley
Cast: Augie Duke, Vince Lozano, Ayden Lozano, Delilah Andre, Tom Malloy, Alexis Iacono, J. James Dorsey, James Arthur Lewis, Melanie Jayne, Amy Erdos
Where To Watch: available now here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Las Vegas, a city of indulgence and excess, serves as the backdrop for THOU SHALT KILL, a thriller that brings psychological warfare into the world of serial killers and redemption. Directed by Richard Friedman, the film twists a tense battle of wits between a desperate mother at rock bottom and a self-righteous murderer who believes his actions are divinely sanctioned. With heartfelt performances and an intriguing premise, the film aims to deliver an unconventional take on fear and survival, though its execution comes with a few stumbles.

At the film's heart is Shannon Donner, played by Augie Duke, a woman whose life is spiraling out of control. A former alcoholic fighting to maintain her sobriety, she finds herself drowning under the weight of a bitter custody battle with her soon-to-be ex-wife, Jamie (Delilah Andre.) The fight over their son, Alby (Ayden Lozano,) pushes her to a breaking point, leading to a moment of weakness that sets off a terrifying chain of events. Enter the Priest, a serial killer portrayed by Vince Lozano, who believes his purpose is to rid the world of sinners, delivering his form of twisted justice. What should be a straightforward case for him—a victim ready to be terrorized—becomes something much more complicated when Shannon refuses to show fear.

This core concept sets up an intriguing psychological showdown. The dynamic between killer and target is flipped on its head as the Priest struggles with the fact that Shannon is, in some ways, already broken. Instead of playing the part of a terrified victim, she challenges his religious rhetoric, turning his own words against him. The film leans heavily into this battle of ideology, pitting a man who believes he is carrying out divine punishment against a woman who has lost her faith in everything, including herself.

The film does well with its minimalistic setting, relying on dark, confined spaces to amplify tension. Most of the story takes place inside vehicles, which creates an oppressive, claustrophobic feel that mirrors Shannon’s emotional state. The cinematography embraces muted tones, reinforcing the bleakness that lingers over every scene. The film’s look is simple yet effective, emphasizing psychological horror rather than relying on spectacle.

Duke delivers a solid performance, carrying much of the film’s weight. She brings a rawness to Shannon, portraying her inner turmoil in a way that makes her struggles feel authentic. As the Priest, Lozano balances quiet menace with bursts of aggression, making him unpredictable and unsettling. Their interactions are the film’s strongest element, as they engage in a war of words that feels like a battle for control rather than just a standard predator-prey scenario.

However, while the film has a strong setup, its pacing wavers; while the early tension is engrossing, the heavy reliance on theological debates between Shannon and the Priest slows the momentum as the story progresses. While intended to add depth, these discussions often stretch on too long. A tighter edit could have maintained the suspense without sacrificing the film’s ambitions.

The climax flips things on its head, introducing a twist that aims to subvert expectations. While surprises can elevate a thriller, this one may not land for all viewers. Rather than enhancing the story, it questions whether it was truly necessary. Some may find it an interesting deviation, while others might feel it undercuts the film’s strongest moments.

The film explores fear, morality, and the blurred lines between justice and fanaticism. It attempts to do something different within the thriller genre, using character-driven tension rather than traditional tropes.

THOU SHALT KILL presents an idea that doesn’t fully reach its potential but still delivers some memorable moments. The interplay between its leads keeps the tension alive, even when the film’s pacing struggles to keep up. It still offers a psychological thriller with something unique for those willing to invest in its character-driven narrative.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of GLASS HOUSE DISTRIBUTION]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.