Character Relationships in The Things You Kill

Ali (played by Ekin Koç) is a protagonist in The Things You Kill. The protagonist, a Turkish literature professor facing infertility and job insecurity. He investigates his mother's suspicious death, suspects his abusive father, and initially participates in kidnapping him. After being chained and usurped by Reza, he kills Reza, reclaims his life, and ultimately confronts his father, symbolizing his psychological break from familial trauma. Reza (played by Erkan Kolçak Köstendil) is a protagonist in The Things You Kill. A hired gardener who becomes Ali's accomplice in kidnapping Hamit, but soon seizes control. He chains Ali, assumes his identity and university job, manipulates his wife, and attempts to cover up the crimes. His arrogance leads to his demise when Ali strangles him with his own chain. Hazar (played by Hazar Ergüçlü) appears in The Things You Kill. Ali’s wife who shares a prophetic dream about his father. She grows distant due to Ali’s stress and infertility, temporarily leaves him, but returns when they plan to seek medical help abroad. Her presence anchors Ali’s emotional journey and domestic life. Father / Hamit (played by Ercan Kesal) appears in The Things You Kill. Ali’s abusive, patriarchal father who historically battered his wife and shames Ali. He is kidnapped and buried by Ali and Reza, but survives. His car is later recovered, and he reappears at Ali’s home, recreating Hazar’s dream and forcing Ali to confront unresolved trauma. Mother / Sakine (played by Güliz Şirinyan) appears in The Things You Kill. Ali’s disabled mother, left bedridden by Hamit’s past violence. Her sudden death triggers Ali’s investigation, revealing she was struck from behind, fueling his suspicion of Hamit and driving the plot’s central conflict. Aunt / Melahat (played by Aysan Sümercan) appears in The Things You Kill. Hamit’s sister whom Reza visits while pretending to be Ali. She reveals the true origin of Hamit’s facial scar, exposing family lies and Hamit’s complex loyalty to his own cruel father, adding depth to the patriarchal cycle.

Character Relationship Map: The Things You Kill

The Things You Kill (2025) Poster

The Things You Kill (2025) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.

Characters

Key Relationships

Story Analysis

A psychological thriller examining cyclical trauma, identity usurpation, and the inescapable weight of patriarchal violence.

Plot Progression

  1. Shadows of the Past
  2. The Desert Conspiracy
  3. The Usurper's Reign
  4. Reclamation and Return

Directed by Alireza Khatami

The Things You Kill (2025) · 6.4/10 · drama, thriller