🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Owen Harris
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller, Music
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10 (27,812 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A music executive, high on cocaine and 90s Britpop, murders his way to the top, proving that in the music industry, talent is optional but homicidal tendencies are a plus.
🍿 Kill Your Friends: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Steven Stelfox and the Britpop Scene
Set in London during the height of the Britpop era in 1997, the film introduces Steven Stelfox, an A&R man at a record label. Stelfox is ambitious, cynical, and primarily driven by personal gain, showing little genuine interest in music beyond its potential for profit. The film wastes no time establishing him as an unlikeable character, driven by drugs and morally questionable choices.

Rising Stakes and Ruthless Ambition
As the end-of-year bonus deadline approaches, Stelfox finds himself under pressure to deliver a hit. Faced with professional setbacks and a competitive environment, he becomes increasingly ruthless. He resorts to increasingly desperate measures to secure his position and bonus, including manipulation and betrayal.

Descent into Violence and Chaos
The narrative takes a dark turn as Stelfox’s actions escalate to violence. His already questionable ethics disintegrate completely, leading to a series of shocking events. This descent into chaos is a critical turning point, highlighting the corrupting influence of the music industry’s cutthroat environment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Steven Stelfox (Nicholas Hoult): An ambitious and ruthless A&R man who resorts to extreme measures to climb the music industry ladder.
- Rebecca (Georgia King): Stelfox’s savvy and ambitious secretary who is aware of his misdeeds.
- Roger Waters (James Corden): A drug-addled A&R executive and rival of Stelfox, known for his erratic behavior.
- Darren (Craig Roberts): A young and awkward intern who gets caught up in Stelfox’s schemes.
- James Trellick (Joseph Mawle): A tenacious policeman investigating the crimes surrounding Stelfox.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Steven Stelfox: “The music industry: it’s just like the Mafia, except nobody knows what they’re doing.” – Highlights Stelfox’s cynical view of the music business.
- Steven Stelfox: “What is the meaning of life? To drive your enemies before you and hear the lamentations of their women.” – Stelfox states this while thinking about his next steps.
- Steven Stelfox: “Nothing important is ever decided in a meeting, but they’re great for humiliating people.” – Stelfox’s inner thoughts about meetings.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $533,147
💥 Kill Your Friends Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so *Kill Your Friends* is definitely not for everyone! I went in expecting a dark comedy, and it delivered…maybe a little *too* much, haha. Hoult is fantastic as Stelfox; you can’t help but be fascinated by his descent, even though you’re horrified at the same time. The scene where he’s rambling while high after that party? Super uncomfortable but so well done. It left me feeling a little queasy, but I was also weirdly entertained by the movie’s lack of morals and honesty.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of dark comedies”
- “Viewers interested in the Britpop era”
- “Those who appreciate cynical and morally ambiguous characters”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content”
Professional Reviews
- Screen International: “A darkly comic and cynical look at the Britpop era music industry, *Kill Your Friends* doesn’t shy away from its protagonist’s morally reprehensible actions, delivering a stylish and unsettling experience, elevated by Nicholas Hoult’s captivating performance.
- The Guardian: “While aiming for *American Psycho* levels of satire, *Kill Your Friends* falls short with its shallow characters and predictable plot. Hoult’s performance is commendable, but the film ultimately lacks depth and originality.
- Empire: “A brutal and darkly funny satire, *Kill Your Friends* provides a glimpse into the excesses of the 90s music scene. Though uneven in tone, the film offers moments of shocking violence and sharp wit, making for an engaging, if uncomfortable, watch.
Audience Reactions
The soundtrack is killer, bringing back all the best (and worst) of 90s Britpop.: Viewers loved the film’s dark humor and Nicholas Hoult’s performance.
The over-the-top portrayal of the music industry is both hilarious and disturbing.: Many appreciated its unflinching look at the excesses and moral bankruptcy of the 90s music scene.
Overall Consensus: A darkly comedic and cynical look at the 90s music industry that, while uneven, is elevated by Nicholas Hoult’s performance and its shocking content.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Niven, who drew from his own experiences working in the music industry as an A&R man.”
- “The soundtrack features iconic Britpop bands like Blur, Oasis, and Radiohead, accurately reflecting the 90s ‘Cool Britannia’ era.”
- “Nicholas Hoult’s performance as Steven Stelfox is a departure from his previous roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor in a dark and cynical role.”
🖥️ How to Watch Kill Your Friends?
Currently, “Kill Your Friends” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, the film is not currently available on any major streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu in the US, but this can always change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Kill Your Friends, you might like these similar films:
- American Psycho (2000): Shares a similar dark humor and satirical take on a morally bankrupt protagonist in a cutthroat professional environment.
- Trainspotting (1996): Features a similar darkly comedic tone and exploration of drug culture within a specific subculture.
- Filth (2013): Like Kill Your Friends, this Scottish black comedy features a morally corrupt and drug-addled protagonist.
🛒 Kill Your Friends Related Products
- Kill Your Friends [Blu-ray]: Experience the dark humor and shocking twists of *Kill Your Friends* in stunning high definition.
- Kill Your Friends: The Original Soundtrack: Relive the Britpop era with this collection of iconic 90s tracks featured in the film, including Blur, Oasis, and Radiohead.
- Kill Your Friends: The Novel by John Niven: Delve deeper into the twisted mind of Steven Stelfox with the original novel that inspired the film.
- 90s Britpop Music Poster: A retro-style poster featuring iconic Britpop bands like Blur, Oasis, and Pulp. A visual reminder of the movie’s soundtrack and the era.
🎧 Soundtrack
Kill Your Friends features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Beetlebum” – performed by Blur
- “Karma Police” – performed by Radiohead
- “Firestarter” – performed by The Prodigy
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The film is based on the novel of the same name by John Niven. Niven worked in the music industry as an A&R man, and the novel is a fictionalized account of his experiences. While the events are not strictly true, they draw inspiration from the real-life excesses and cutthroat nature of the Britpop era music industry.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous and serves to reinforce the film’s dark and cynical themes. Stelfox achieves his ambition of becoming head of A&R through murder and manipulation, highlighting the corrupting influence of the industry. The film questions the true cost of success and leaves the audience to ponder the moral implications of Stelfox’s actions.
Yes, “Kill Your Friends” shares similarities with “American Psycho” in its exploration of a morally bankrupt protagonist and satirical portrayal of a materialistic culture. Both films feature violence, dark humor, and a cynical worldview. However, “Kill Your Friends” focuses specifically on the music industry, whereas “American Psycho” examines broader themes of corporate greed and identity.
🔥 Bonus Content
BLOOD FACE MASK #shorts
Okay, this might seem random, but hear me out! If you’re into the special effects makeup in tt2474958, you’ll probably dig this super popular DIY blood face mask video. It’s wild how realistic they make it, and honestly, it’s kind of mesmerizing to watch!
7 Ways To STEAL Your Friends DIAMONDS! IRL Challenge
This video seems a bit silly, but what if the movie involves heists or double-crossing? Check out these crazy, over-the-top ways to ‘steal diamonds’ from your friends. Even if it is unrelated, I guarantee you’ll at least be entertained by the over-the-top antics!
10 Ways To Kill Your Friend In Minecraft
Okay, stay with me: This isn’t directly related, but if tt2474958 has ANY dark humor or suspenseful moments, you might get a kick out of this insane Minecraft video. It’s basically a hilarious compilation of ways to ‘off’ your friends… in the game, of course! It’s a bit over the top, but trust me, it’s pretty funny!
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