Ready or Not – Film Review

Ready or Not is a horror-comedy film that came out in 2019 and it blends humor, suspense, and gore in a way that makes it stand out in a crowded genre. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, this film presents a unique and darkly humorous take on the concept of the deadly game of hide-and-seek. While it may not be a perfect cinematic masterpiece, it certainly delivers an entertaining and thrilling experience that is worth your time.

The premise of Ready or Not is simple yet intriguing: on her wedding night, the protagonist, Grace (played by Samara Weaving), is told that to be fully accepted into her wealthy and eccentric in-laws’ family, she must participate in a game of hide-and-seek. Little does she know that this seemingly innocent family tradition is a deadly and bizarre ritual where her life is on the line, and she must hide while her in-laws hunt her down. The film takes this outrageous premise and runs with it, and the results are a darkly hilarious, suspenseful, and twisted rollercoaster.

One of the film’s standout features is the brilliant casting. Samara Weaving is an absolute revelation in the role of Grace. She brings a perfect combination of vulnerability and ferocity to her character. Weaving’s performance makes you genuinely root for Grace as she transforms from a blushing bride into a resourceful and determined survivor. Her facial expressions and physicality add depth to the character, and you can’t help but cheer for her as she faces a series of life-threatening challenges throughout the night.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. The in-laws are played by a talented ensemble, with Adam Brody and Henry Czerny delivering memorable performances. The eccentric and darkly humorous nature of the characters adds an extra layer of entertainment to the film. Each family member has their quirks and eccentricities, making them simultaneously amusing and unsettling. Andie MacDowell plays the matriarch of the family, and her elegant yet sinister presence adds an air of sophistication to the chaos. The actors’ chemistry and the comedic timing between them all contribute to the film’s overall success.

While Ready or Not excels in its casting and performances, it also benefits from a sharp and witty screenplay. The script, written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, is filled with dark humor, clever one-liners, and sharp satire. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which allows for a perfect balance between comedy and horror. The film never delves into slapstick territory but maintains a dark and intelligent humor that keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The direction by Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett is another strong point of the film. They create a tense and ominous atmosphere while maintaining a sense of playfulness. The house, where most of the action takes place, is a character in itself, with its sprawling, maze-like architecture, hidden passages, and dark secrets. The filmmakers make excellent use of the house’s various rooms and corridors to build tension and suspense.

Cinematographer Brett Jutkiewicz captures the chaotic and intense moments with dynamic camerawork, and the lighting and color palette create an eerie yet visually striking setting. The violence and gore in the film are handled well, as the filmmakers strike a balance between shocking brutality and dark comedy. Ready or Not is not for the faint of heart, as it features some graphic and gory sequences, but these moments serve the overall tone of the film effectively.

The film’s pacing is mostly tight, with a constant sense of urgency and impending doom. As Grace navigates through the house, trying to evade her murderous in-laws, the suspense never wanes, and the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. The filmmakers manage to maintain the tension while also allowing for moments of levity, making it an engaging and entertaining experience from start to finish.

One of the film’s minor drawbacks is the somewhat underdeveloped backstory of the Le Domas family and their strange tradition. While the film hints at a supernatural element, it leaves some questions unanswered, which may leave viewers craving more insight into the family’s history and motivations. Nevertheless, this lack of exposition doesn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the film, as the main focus remains on the suspense and dark humor.

Ready or Not shines with its inventive concept, excellent performances, and a well-crafted blend of horror and comedy. It may not break new ground in the horror genre, but it takes familiar elements and combines them in a fresh and entertaining way. The film’s audacious premise, combined with its witty script and strong cast, makes it a standout entry in the genre.

Ready or Not is a darkly hilarious thrill ride that keeps you engaged from beginning to end. With a stellar lead performance from Samara Weaving, an intriguing and unique premise, and a balance of horror and comedy that hits the mark, this film is a delightful addition to the horror-comedy genre. It’s a wickedly fun and bloody good time at the movies, and if you’re ready for some twisted laughs and suspenseful moments, Ready or Not is a must-watch.