Canada’s Oscar Entry ‘The Things You Kill’ Sets US Release Date

The Things You Kill, directed by Alireza Khatami, will represent Canada in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

The film had its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival where Khatami won the World Cinema Dramatic Directing Award. It opens in theaters on November 14, 2025.

The Things You Kill is a mystery drama following Ali (played by Ekin Koç), a university professor living in exile in the United States, who returns to investigate the suspicious death of his mother in Turkey. Consumed by grief, Ali enlists his gardener, Reza (Erkan Kolçak Köstendil), to help seek vengeance.

Also starring in the movie are Hazar Ergüçlü (as Ali’s wife) and Ercan Kesal (playing Ali’s father).

“I am truly delighted that our film The Things You Kill has been selected to represent Canada at the Oscars,”  said Alireza Khatami, Director. “Eight years in the making, this film is a labour of love shaped by the dedication and generosity of so many extraordinary souls. What makes this moment especially meaningful to me is that Canada is making space for stories that BIPOC filmmakers have to share. I warmly thank the pan-Canadian Selection Committee on this important step, and I hope our selection marks the beginning of many more to come.”