In a Nutshell
Grace couldn’t be happier after she marries the man of her dreams at his family’s luxurious estate. There’s just one catch — she must now hide from midnight until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her down with guns, crossbows and other weapons. As Grace desperately tries to survive the night, she soon finds a way to turn the tables on her not-so-lovable relatives.
Review
Weddings are such wonderful occasions. As a celebration of two people’s love for each other in the presence of family and friends what better setting can there be for a survival horror/black comedy. At least that is the delightfully perverted logic of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet for their sophomore feature, Ready or Not.
On the happiest day of her life, blushing bride Grace (played by Samara Weaving) marries the man of her dreams Alex (played by Mark O’Brien) at his families grand manor. That night as a strange form of initiation to the Le Domas family Grace takes part in a seemingly innocent game of hide and seek, but things take a dark turn as the time-honoured tradition turns deadly.
Although directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet have dabbled in horror before (with their anthology of terror V/H/S) they really go all out with this film but aren’t afraid to inject some comedy either (most of which stems from the La Domas families hapless attempts to honour tradition). Although the film is full-on with the blood and gore most of its time it is used for comedic effect adding to the film’s wicked sense of fun.
Shall We Play a Game?
As the film progresses it threatens to lose focus and a pre-established ominous atmosphere by indulging in the escalating absurdity of the situation but Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet manage to keep it on track by moving the film along at a brisk pace. What is most impressive in their handling of the film’s momentum as it does not let up right until the gloriously over the top finale.
Despite all of this there are plenty of moments of genuine tension as Grace sneaks around the Le Domas family estate where the horror elements are really amped up especially through the look of the film. The interior of the manor is beautifully shot with a Gothic candlelit glow adding to the tension as the audience gets the feeling that a crazed member of the Le Domas family could be lurking just around the corner at any given moment waiting to strike.
It has to be said that the thing that makes the film really tick is its characters. Samara Weaving is perfectly cast as the ultimate final girl in a very physically demanding role that really puts her through the wringer as she fights for survival from her newfound family who view her as being nothing more than a “last call dive bar girl”.
The Ultimate Final Bride
As well as this the emotional roller coaster Weaving exhibits is impressive as she is plunged into the wedding night from hell. With her role in this film alongside recent roles in Mayhem and The Babysitter, Weaving is making a strong claim for the throne of the modern-day “Scream Queen” of horror.
As good as her performance is, the supporting cast of the dysfunctional Le Domas family are every bit a match for her. Be it a disapproving patriarch, a gormless brother in law or a gold-digging sister in law, every member has a moment to shine as they fully embrace the delightfully nasty nature of the film. It is clear that they relish playing their respective roles, particularly Nicky Guadagni as Aunt Helene whose fiendish “traditionalist” remarks steal every scene.
These and many other venomous barbs from first time writer’s Guy Busick and Ryan Murphy add to the film’s macabre sense of humour. Their script really brings the “blue blood horror” elements to the fore wearing the influences of recent horrors (such as You’re Next and Would You Rather) that draw parallels to the film, on its sleeve.
With some tight writing in terms of the film’s simple plot and structure, they manage to find room to even poke at the film itself (especially when it comes to the ritualism surrounding the game) without ever losing focus of the central conceit.
Verdict
In what may go down as one of the biggest surprises of the year (and even a future cult classic), Ready or Not is an absolute blast from start to finish. With thrills, laughs and blood aplenty it is a perverse but more importantly fun piece of horror led by a career-making performance from Samara Weaving.
