If I Tell You I Have To Kill You (2015)
Directed by Kennedy Goldsby · 2015 · Obba Babatundé, Tom Sizemore, Keith David, Robert Miano, Reiley McClendon
In 2015, director Kennedy Goldsby crafted a dark, atmospheric blend of drama, mystery, and thriller in If I Tell You I Have To Kill You, anchored by the commanding performances of Obba Babatundé, Tom Sizemore, and Keith David. The film follows a professor of religious studies thrust into a chilling investigation after his students begin dying under mysterious circumstances. As he uncovers disturbing patterns, the narrative pivots toward a deeply personal revelation: the professor confronts the truth of his own death and experiences a haunting rebirth. The tone is somber and introspective, leaning into spiritual unease and psychological tension rather than graphic violence. Goldsby’s direction favors slow-burn suspense, with muted visuals and deliberate pacing that echo the quiet dread of late-night theological inquiries. The film’s style is minimalist, relying on dialogue and character depth over spectacle, making it ideal for viewers who appreciate cerebral thrillers like The Sixth Sense or The Others, but with a distinctly religious and existential undercurrent. It suits audiences drawn to morally complex narratives and stories where the supernatural is implied, not explained. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it offers a tightly wound, contemplative experience without overstaying its welcome.
Why it’s worth watching
If I Tell You I Have To Kill You (2015) stands out for its quiet intensity and the weight of its performances, particularly from Obba Babatundé and Tom Sizemore. Directed by Kennedy Goldsby, the film avoids clichés by grounding its supernatural elements in the psychological and spiritual crisis of its protagonist. Its 90-minute runtime delivers a focused, unnerving journey without filler. Fans of slow-burn mysteries with religious or metaphysical themes will find its ambiguity compelling and its atmosphere hauntingly authentic.
Trivia
- Directed by Kennedy Goldsby
- Released in 2015
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Starring Obba Babatundé, Tom Sizemore, Keith David, Robert Miano, Reiley McClendon, Michael Bernardi, Erika Barrett, Tommy Lister Jr., Andrew Cappelletti, and Mark Irvingsen
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller