Review by John Delia
Just when you think you have seen every way a person can get killed in a horror flick, up pops Ready or Not. It’s one of the most diabolical blood baths that I’ve seen in several years. The movie’s a comedy however, and it does play out that way making the film one of the better of the genre. Nicely acted and directed, yet predictable, it’s how it gets to the end that’s the rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that entertains. Think the movie Get Out with lots more of the wicked craziness.
Alex (Mark O’Brien) marries Grace (Samara Weaving) bringing her into the famous Le Donas family who became very rich inventing board games. The wedding goes as planned and everyone finally leaves the huge rambling estate with its exquisite and massive mansion. Now alone with the family, Grace gets to have a quiet dinner with new father-in-law Tony (Henry Czerny), Mother in-law Becky (Andie MacDowell), Aunt Helene (Nicky Guadagni), and the rest of her new in-laws.
At the dinner table following a nice meal, Tony announces the ritual that they have following the marriage of one of the children. It’s based on one of their games, but one that’s only played by the family. It’s not really difficult unless you get the wrong card, which Grace does.
Thus begins a wild night of hide and seek with Grace being the hunted and no-one to protect her. The film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett who are familiar with horror filming like their Devil’s Due and V/H/S. In this one however, there has to be an element of comedy. If the comedy doesn’t work, all you have is another slasher film and walk out of the theater fumbling for your car keys. But, the good news is the film is very funny with a lot of unexpected stupidity, misjudgments and wrong interpretations on the part of the reprehensible family.
The acting also has to be good and this cast is spot on with their interpretations of their characters. The lovely Grace played innocently then defensively by Samara Weaving is key to whether the film works or not and she goes darling to daunting in her role. How lovely she looks at the wedding’s alter, but as the prey she’s freaking out of her mind.
As cool then evil Andie MacDowell puts on a show as the loving mother who welcomes her new daughter-in-law into the family. She loves her son’s choice and looks forward to a wonderful future with Grace in the family. But, when the wrong card gets chosen, she’s the devil incarnate. Nice arc and she plays it well.
in the film READY OR NOT. Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures. © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
Another outstanding performance comes from Nicky Guadagni as the evil aunt that relishes in the wrong choice card by Grace. She’s Satan’s disciple and loving the idea that she may be the one who gets the kill. But, the best performance comes from Elyse Levesque as sister Charity Le Domas who gets to be in her first ritual. Initially a bit ill at ease, after a few mistakes with some fire arms, she starts to get the hang of killing. Except not in a good way for the family
Ready or Not has been rated R by the MPAA for violence, bloody images, language throughout, and some drug use. The film uses enough fake blood to fill several movies of its kind and choice of murder weapons and deaths are a bit over-the-top. But, if you are an avid horror film fan, the gore is nothing you haven’t already witnessed on the big screen.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very funny horror flick for fans of the genre. (4 out of 5 Stars)Â
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien, with Henry Czerny and Andie MacDowell
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for violence, bloody images, language throughout, and some drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Opening Date: August 21, 2019
Distributed by: Fox Searchlight
Released in: Standard, Color