Killhouse film premieres across Ukraine, dramatizing real-life special operations by Ukrainian forces
Photo source: Vechirnii Kyiv
The feature film Killhouse has officially premiered in cinemas across Ukraine, drawing inspiration from actual special operations conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, and the Third Assault Brigade.
The film's release was announced by Rubryka, citing the Security Service's press service and Vechirnii Kyiv.
Directed by Liubomyr Levytskyi, "Killhouse" centers on the theme of unity.
"The main idea of this film is unity," Levytskyi explained. "We have three outstanding units with different approaches and perspectives, working together to achieve their goals. The plot follows a family divided by war that ultimately reunites, reflecting the collective effort shown throughout the story."
"I'd like this film also to unite Ukrainians," Levytskyi continued. "The occupiers fear our unity the most and are always trying to divide us, but we have to overcome that. We're strong only when we stand together."
The film's storyline follows a rescue operation to save civilians in occupied territory that evolves into a complex, multi-layered special mission. Real veterans and active-duty soldiers contributed as both consultants and cast members, lending authenticity to the project.
A serviceman of Ukraine's Security Service "A" Special Operations Center, callsign Viking, who both acted in and advised the film, confirmed that such operations indeed occur in reality.
"Security Service fighters, alongside comrades from other defense forces, hold back the Russian onslaught and strike back. Ukraine's Security Service truly carries out legendary special operations that change the course of this war — actions that often surpass what can be shown in a film. If viewers want to become part of this real work and join the fight against the enemy, we're always recruiting volunteers," he said.
Levytskyi emphasized the team's commitment to realism. The film features real call signs, and some participants actually played themselves.
Photo source: Vechirnii Kyiv
Photo source: Vechirnii Kyiv
"I always said: the military made this movie — I just helped. In fact, no one has ever received as much support as we did — from people to logistics to transport," he noted.
Several actors decided to join Ukraine's defense forces after their involvement in the film. Notably, lead actor Denys Kapustin, who initially was a civilian, has been mobilized and now serves in the Third Assault Brigade.
The cast also includes Serhii Strelnykov, Audrey McAlpine, Oleksandra Soroka, Valerii Velychko, Karyna Tymoshenko, and Pavlo Tekuchev. High-profile figures involved in production include Third Army Corps commander Andrii Biletskyi, Presidential Office head Kyrylo Budanov, and former Security Service chief Vasyl Maliuk.
Photo source: Vechirnii Kyiv
Background
Killhouse is positioned as the world's first feature film to use FPV drones during production.
The film stands out for its high level of involvement from Ukrainian military structures and real combatants, making it a landmark project for the country's film industry.
