Movie Review: Ready or Not (2019)
Synopsis:
"Ready or Not," directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is a darkly comedic horror-thriller that centres around Grace, a young woman who has just married into the wealthy and eccentric Le Domas family. The film opens with Grace (played by Samara Weaving) excitedly preparing for her wedding day, seemingly stepping into a fairytale. However, the reality of her new family hits hard when she learns about the peculiar tradition they uphold.
After the wedding, the family gathers for their time-honoured ritual: a game that must be played by anyone who marries into the family. Grace is apprehensive as she’s chosen to play a game of hide-and-seek, but she soon discovers that this innocent-sounding game has terrifying stakes. The Le Domas family has a dark history and the game, steeped in superstition, reveals their sinister nature — if the family fails to find Grace before dawn, dire consequences await them. As the night unfolds, Grace finds herself hunted by her new in-laws, forcing her to fight for her survival amidst the family dynamics that blur the lines between love, loyalty, and treachery.
List of Actors and Their Characters:
- Samara Weaving as Grace
- Adam Brody as Daniel
- Mark O’Brien as Alex
- Andie MacDowell as Eleanor
- Henry Czerny as Tony
- Melanie Scrofano as Charity
- Kristen Ritter as Emilie
- Matthew Devere as Felix
Review:
"Ready or Not" is an exhilarating mix of horror, satire, and dark comedy that adeptly critiques the absurdity of wealth, privilege, and family dynamics. When Grace marries into the Le Domas family, she is trapped within a gilded cage that reveals its sharp, bloodstained edges as soon as the marriage vows are exchanged. The film showcases the juxtaposition of Grace’s innocence and resilience against the backdrop of the Le Domas family’s grotesque traditions, setting the stage for an intensely thrilling experience.
Samara Weaving’s performance as Grace is particularly commendable. Weaving embodies Grace’s transformation seamlessly, portraying an evolution from blissful bride to ferocious survivor. Her ability to oscillate between vulnerability and ferocity captures the audience’s attention, making us root for her from the very beginning. Weaving’s expressive eyes and physicality brilliantly echo the tension of one woman against an army of hunters, and her character’s strength makes the horror all the more poignant.
The supporting cast also shines, with Adam Brody’s Daniel, Grace’s brother-in-law, presenting a nuanced portrayal of internal conflict. Daniel is caught between loyalty to his family and his burgeoning sympathy for Grace, which creates an unpredictable dynamic that adds depth to the narrative. His sense of guilt is palpable and contributes immensely to the film’s commentary on familial loyalty versus personal ethics.
Mark O’Brien as Alex, Grace’s husband, further complicates the familial relationships. His character, rooted in privilege, is oftentimes a source of frustration as he grapples with the gruesome facade of his family’s traditions. The tension between Alex and Grace intensifies the stakes, making the audience question whether love can truly survive in a world so mired in tradition and cruelty.
The film is visually striking, offering sharp contrasts between the opulence of the Le Domas mansion and the visceral horror that unfolds within its walls. The cinematography by Brett Jutkiewicz adeptly employs shadows and lighting to create discomfort and dread, drawing viewers deeper into the unfolding chaos. The setting itself becomes a character, the vast, labyrinthine mansion both a safe haven and a trap, highlighting themes of entrapment that echo through the narrative.
Sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the film’s atmosphere. The use of silence, punctuated by sudden bursts of noise, heightens the tension expertly. A haunting score underlies the narrative, mimicking the frantic heartbeat of our heroine.
Adding to this rich tapestry is the film’s sharp script, penned by Guy Busick and Ryan Murphy. The dialogue is laced with dark humour, allowing moments of levity to puncture the tension and provide much-needed comic relief in the midst of chaos. Lines about the absurdity of the family’s traditions and Grace’s seemingly unending attempts to survive the night showcase the film’s clever writing. This balance of horror and humour is something that "Ready or Not" excels at, making it more than just a typical slasher flick.
The film does not shy away from its commentary on class and privilege. The Le Domas family’s obsession with wealth and status serves as a metaphor for the lengths to which people will go to maintain their power. The oppressive atmosphere of entitlement and the unraveling of familial ties reflects real-world issues, making the horror resonate on multiple levels. The film effectively critiques the social structures that create such brutality, all while delivering relentless thrills.
As the night progresses, the tension escalates, leading to moments of genuine terror punctuated by shocking twists and reveals. Each member of the Le Domas family becomes a reflection of their wealth’s toxicity, showcasing the lengths to which they will go to protect their empire. The relationships between the characters feel all too real, providing a chilling reminder of how deeply intertwined love and betrayal can be.
The climax of "Ready or Not" is both shocking and satisfying, delivering a resolution that encapsulates the film’s themes while leaving a lasting impact. Without spoiling too much, the final act masterfully combines horror with tragic irony, a fitting encapsulation of the film’s overall ethos. It reminds us that no one is truly safe from the darkness that wealth and privilege can foster.
In conclusion, "Ready or Not" is an engaging and sharply crafted film that stands out in the horror genre. It is an audacious blend of dark humour, thrilling horror, and insightful social commentary. The performances, particularly by Samara Weaving and Adam Brody, elevate the narrative, while the direction and cinematography imbue the film with visual and emotional depth. "Ready or Not" invites us to ponder the complexities of family, loyalty, and the price of privilege in a society that often reflects just how fragile those connections can be when tested.
For all these reasons, "Ready or Not" triumphs as a wickedly entertaining exploration of survival and familial obligation against a backdrop of horror.
Score: 8.5/10
