Ready or Not (2019)

A young bride's wedding night turns into her worst nightmare when her ridiculously rich in-laws force her to play a gruesome game of hide-in-seek.

3.5 / 5

INCLUVIE SCORE

5.0 / 5

MOVIE SCORE

Representation

Incluvie Writer

October 21, 2021

3 / 5

INCLUVIE SCORE

5 / 5

MOVIE SCORE

Ready or Not Review: A Joy for Horror Fans

Ready or Not follows a young woman named Grace (Samara Weaving). As her marriage inches closer and closer, Grace sees a life suitable for familial fulfillment. She marries her man: Alex, a member of the rich Le Domas family. On her wedding night, Grace becomes part of a family tradition. She has to play hide and seek (games are an integral part of the Le Domas’ family fortune). Grace sees the game as being a form of playful camaraderie. But in reality, the Le Domas family believes that in order to keep their lives/profits, they must sacrifice a bride. Grace, completely unaware of the family’s deadly intentions, chooses a hiding spot and from there, the game begins. Horror fans will hoot and holler at this flick. Like The Burbs (1989), Fright Night (1985), and Shaun of the Dead (2004), Ready or Not takes a terrifying situation and has a fun time with horror components. The film melds horror and comedy, creating a cinematic hybrid that flows like running water. Instead of being a film that embraces gut-wrenching sensibilities, it perfectly taps into the energetic nature of hide and seek. On a recurring basis, there are sudden left and right turns, designed to keep audience members on their toes. As a whole, Ready or Not is an economic adventure. It’s constantly moving, and in retrospect, there isn’t any unnecessary baggage. Due to its fast pace, the limited atmosphere feels bigger than it actually is. As viewers, we are put in tight places, but there is always a sense of domestic beauty due to the production design. With the help of Andrew M. Stearn (the production designer), Brett Jutkiewicz’ cinematography perfectly parallels the detailed materialism of upper class living. In turn, the limited atmosphere becomes a visual treat. We are stunned by every single part of the mansion, because every nook and cranny is monumentally pristine. Obviously, every good film must posses characters that connect with us. After all, characters are cinematic engines. They bring stories to life and eventually help films reach their destination. Characters hook audience members, allowing a narrative to achieve a sense of personal intrigue. Thankfully, Ready or Not has a phenomenal cast, brimming with freshness. The screenplay, written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy, constructs an array of colorful characters who bring their own forms of energy into the narrative. In that same respect, villains are typically vital to a film’s success. They set the stakes, and push the heroic figures to the limit. In this specific case, the Le Domas family is unbelievably entertaining. In many ways, they are comedic linchpins filled with slapstick sensibilities. They stumble through the narrative, completely unaware of how to accomplish their goals. Whenever they succeed, the film brings them to their knees. Every instance of success is short-lived, but make no mistake about it: They are formidable villains. The concept of being outnumbered always remains within our minds. At times, we can predict the outcome of suspenseful events. However, these predictive elements aren’t flaws. Every character manages to become a beacon of delight, and in turn, every inch of suspense is magnetically attractive. We are eager to see these characters interact. To coincide with the compelling characters, Ready or Not

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'Bodies Bodies Bodies' Is Easily A New Addition To Modern Slasher Classics

August 15, 2022

In the age of Gen Z, Tik Tok, and podcasts, the generational divide has never been so prominent. One thing that definitely divides the generations is our taste in movies. Horror has become a reliable box office earner thanks in large part to younger audiences seeking chills and thrills. However, Bodies Bodies Bodies directed by Halina Reijn, is perhaps the first major slasher to highlight the relationship Gen Z has with itself, all while navigating a murder whodunnit plot.

Bodies Bodies Bodies, the latest from indie powerhouse studio A24, is a great time. It is full of dark comedy laughs, great performances, and genuine scares. Although, many have wondered, does the film make fun of Gen Z or support it? The answer is a little bit of both.

When the film opens, we meet a group of friends readying for a “hurricane party.” They party and prepare for the storm when the suggestion of a game comes about. Even before the game starts, there is tension among the group. It is easy to understand that many of the group members have had issues with each other before tonight. The game brings this tension to a boiling point, as someone actually ends up dead. Once the accusations start flying about murder and petty issues with their friends, it makes it difficult for them to remember who is an enemy and who is a treasured friend.

This is where the film's strongest element lies. The film doesn’t seek to scold Gen Z, nor does it seek to suggest they don’t have problems. They do, just as every generation does. The only difference is that this generation has the internet and social media at the ready for any life update they choose to share.

The film seeks to hold a mirror up to Gen Z and show them what their weaknesses are, but also their strengths. The film never portrays the friends as helpless, even with a possible killer on the loose and being in the middle of a brutal hurricane. It also never portrays them as obsessed with their phones, as many “boomers” believe to be true and often include in films. They are able-minded, quick-witted, and ready to fight if need be. Yes, there are jokes that riff on the stereotypical Gen Z person, but it is evident that the screenplay wants to poke at them, not shame them.

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