Ready or Not (2019) - Review

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Ready or Not is a dark comedy horror film about a young bride who is forced to participate in a satanic ritual with her as the sacrifice. As you may have probably guessed, the main goal for this character called Grace, would be to stay alive.

Written by Guy Busick and Christopher Murphy, and directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet, Ready or Not stars Samara Weaving (Grace), Adam Brody (Daniel), Mark O’Brien (Alex), Andie MacDowell (Becky) and Henry Czerny (Tony) among others.

The Plot & Movie in general

It starts with a very promising premise of what I call perfect thrill and horror in balance. The beginning was of little Daniel and Alex, letting us know that the movie was exactly what it was.

We then meet Grace, who weds Alex 30 years later and is told by her husband that they have to participate in a game to become full fledged Le Domas. I knew I was expecting something and I knew it was going to be filled with suspense, what I did not expect is that it would actually take me to the edge of my seat.

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This is a dark comedy horror that did not really focus on the paranormal. The only information that gives away the paranormal in the movie is that these people are satanists and they made a pact with the devil. The devil gave them their riches and in turn they must sacrifice something to him. Something of flesh, blood and soul.

The movie was very well paced to me. From the story of Helena, to the moment Grace realised that she was either to kill or be killed. It also contained quirky scenes of spontaneous lines that provoked laughter and overall, it bordered on a subject that is quite touchy. The involvement of powerful American families in the “illuminati”. Not a subject I am willing to discuss however, because it is absolutely none of my business.

Characters

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Three characters struck me in the course of the movie. One was Grace. Yes, she was the lamb and I thank the writers who decided to not let any scene of gore slide. Samara, who played Grace, captured everything in excellence. From finding out the truth to fighting for her life.

We watch Samara play Grace in the most gracefully horrific way possible. The shock, the panic, the loss, the pain. She made it all believable. What I do not agree with though is how she was stupid enough to leave that tranquilizer gun behind. I feel so many of those things she endured would not have been necessary if she had taken the gun and reversed the roles.

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Daniel played by Adam Brody left me conflicted. While we see a man who has decided to help and be the end of it all, I wonder, is that how it would play out or was this the wish of the writers? Well, I do not know. Daniel did say he was a weak man, but how did he decide to burn it all then? Overall, I am just conflicted about the guy.

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Alex played by Mark O’Brien, I saw coming. I predicted that he would turn especially after hearing Helena talk about him in her psycho romantic way. There is one truth that remains and it is that family knows you and when family says it’s okay, then it’s okay.

I knew Alex would be the last bullet especially after losing his brother. I did not suspect in the beginning but it never left my head after hearing Helena talk about him with such a conviction. So somehow, I just expected it to happen and it did.

Conclusion

Grace transitioned from scared to furious and we see that in the way she turns and kills instead. The rage in her uncontrolled actions, the graphic design by which she goes about keeping herself alive is simply stunning.

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I loved watching her eyes go dark. I loved the pure animalistic energy in her voice when she thrashed around. I loved every second of it.

Overall, I would recommend this movie if you’re a horror/comedy fan. It’s a 7 out of 10 for me. I look forward to more things like this.