Movies by Kirill Sokolov

Kirill Sokolov is a visionary Russian filmmaker with a bold, unconventional style that defies genre conventions. His work is characterized by a dark, sardonic humor, a penchant for shocking twists and grisly violence, and a keen eye for the absurdities of the human condition. Sokolov first burst onto the scene with his 2018 breakout, the deliciously over-the-top black comedy Why Don't You Just Die!, which gleefully subverted the home-invasion thriller with its escalating series of brutal plot twists. This established his talent for crafting tightly plotted narratives that keep audiences perpetually off-balance. Films like the 2022 crime drama No Looking Back and the 2026 thriller They Will Kill You demonstrate his ongoing mastery of genre storytelling, laced with a perverse sense of dark comedy. Yet Sokolov's range extends beyond the realm of genre. Earlier works like the poignant 2015 romance About Love and the surreal 2012 existential drama Sisyphus Is Happy reveal a director unafraid to explore more intimate, contemplative territory. Throughout his filmography, Sokolov's unique visual style – marked by bold colors, striking compositions, and a playful use of perspective – creates an arresting cinematic experience. As he continues to push the boundaries of what a Russian art-house thriller can be, Sokolov has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary world cinema.