- Release year: 2019
- Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.
- Producers: Bradley J. Fischer, William Sherak, James Vanderbilt and Tripp Vinson.
- Screenplay by: Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy.
- Cinematographer: Brett Jutkiewicz.
- Music by: Brian Tyler.
Synopsis: a newly wedded bride spends her wedding night at her husband’s family home, where all his relatives rope her into playing a game with deadly consequences.
Shotgun Commentary: big The Babysitter (2017) vibes, only Samara Weaving is on the other side of the story now. DO NOT MISS IT!
(Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, 2019).
Review
Ready or Not is an amazing horror film about the survival of the single weak against the many strong. Following the tradition of movies like Home Alone (1990) or The Babysitter, the protagonist of this story must survive using her wits and the unique spike of adrenaline that intense pain and the possibility of death provide.
Much like all the “frail” survivors before her, Grace (Samara Weaving) is an instantly likeable character. She is introduced to the viewers in an already uncomfortable situation and trying to make the best of it despite all odds, so she instantly earns the audience’s sympathy.
Class conflict
The main theme of the movie, other than the obvious fight for survival, is the dynamics between social classes. While “the help”, as Le Domas family refer to them, aid the household in their ritual, dying for their survival and getting their hands as dirty as possible to ensure their success, the family shows no remorse, or any other emotion really, about seeing them all die due to accidents or their own irresponsible behaviour.
(Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, 2019).
The figure of the butler is particularly fascinating in this regard. He portrays this ancient idea of person in service of a family from birth to death. His personal life is completely inexistent, and his devotion is closer to obsession more than to mere respect. He is severely hurt in pursue of Grace, whose sacrifice will only benefit the rich family and not himself, yet his masters are visibly unbothered by his horrible state of physical health, not even bothering to check if he is still alive after a huge car accident.
The peak of surrealism in his behaviour is the car ride in which he is about to deliver Grace to the family while listening to the 1812 Overture of Tchaikovsky, a composition popularly connected to the rise of the people against the power in V for Vendetta (2005). This song feels like irony until the turn of events makes its connotations infuse power to the moment.
Le Domas
The sacrifice of the people employed by the family goes from metaphorical to literal really quickly. In contrast, the rich are simply motivated by their own greedy goals and desires. Within these terms, each character has its own particulars that make them unique and interesting. The father (played by Henry Czerny) and the victim-turned-villain aunt (played by Nicky Guadagni) are quite plain and predictable. However, the way that all the other characters behave in this fight for survival is quite interesting.
(Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, 2019).
Fitch (Kristian Bruun) and Emilie (Melanie Scrofano) are very likeable dues to their stupidity and cluelessness. However, much like the rest of the family, they live in a constant state of self-righteousness, not once questioning whether what they are doing is right or not. The same happens with Becky (Andie MacDowell) and Alex (Mark O’Brien), “the nice ones”, who excuse their actions behind a legend whose veracity is unclear. As for Daniel (Adam Brody) and Charity (Elyse Levesque), they are, without a doubt, the most interesting characters.
Key players
Charity comes from an unspecified horrible background, which is the main reason why she is determined to kill anyone for the survival of her current comfortable life.
The lack of details about her past cleverly leaves her behaviour open to discussion. She might just come from an average background and be very greedy and power-hungry, or she might be a survivor of dreadful circumstances. Whatever the reason, she is ruthless and desperate to stay in the social class that she has managed to reach.
(Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, 2019).
Daniel is the complete opposite of Charity, and the choice of actor to portray him couldn’t be more perfect. Adam Brody is known for playing the nice guy that turns out to be a complete psychopath or traitor, or a d*ck in general, really. This reputation enhances the dance around the morality line that his character Daniel does during the whole movie. Until the very end of the film you do not know what to think of him and that suspense is a wonderful addition to the experience.
All in all, Ready or Not is an amazing survival horror story with a charming badass of a final girl, played by the great scream queen Samara Weaving. Her charisma seeps into her character, who evolves splendidly along with the story itself. Huge recommend for a fun time.
Advice to take from this movie:
- Never trust rich people.
- Don’t judge on appearance.
- Not all blonds are helpless.
(Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, 2019).
What’s your take? Have you watched Ready or Not? Did you like it? What’s your favourite Samara Weaving performance? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀
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