Ready or Not | Film Review

Hey Guys x

I remember seeing the trailer for this film at the cinema months ago and was so exited to watch it. Not only was the concept really intriguing and original, but it also seemed like one of those horror/thriller movies that has the potential to be scarier than the whole supernatural thing. So yeah, I was really excited!

Grace (Samara Weaving) has just married Alex (Mark O'Brien) and is about to officially become one of the Le Domas family. However, before that can happen, she has to play a game. But when she sees the lengths that this family will go to just to win the game, Grace begins to wonder if she'll be able to survive the night.

As I said, this is such an intriguing, original concept. I loved the idea of it before I ever saw it, and I'm pleased to say that the film really holds up!

The first thing that I found really interesting (and whether this was intentional or not I don't know) is that every character in the film seems like a really fantastical version of what a real human is - and the includes the main character. Everything is a bit over the top, a bit off and a bit weird, to the point that watching this feels a bit surreal. But for me, that really adds to the experience of watching the film.

When the film actually gets started (which takes a little while) it instantly becomes so compelling that you can't look away.

Another interesting thing about this movie is that, outside of this game, none of these characters have any sort of distinct personality. For me, this works really well. Because we never actually get to know the family, we are completely distanced from them in the same way that Grace is. When we see her reactions to their ridiculousness, they are our reactions as well because we know these characters as well as she does.

Having said this, we also don't really get to know Grace herself. Throughout the film I couldn't help but wonder where Grace's family and friends were. There was no one there for her at her wedding, and that made the film feel a bit unrealistic, because you would think that someone somewhere could have helped to get her out of that situation.

The film could easily be said to be a comedy-horror, because it has some elements that are cheesy in that comedy-horror way, like the ending. But the thing is, even with these comedic elements, the film and the concept of the film in and of itself are actually scary.

Speaking of the ending, it was original and unpredictable, but for me it was way too weird and comedic for a film like this. I get why it was done that way, but I would have preferred something a bit more grounded in reality.

The acting was great. As well as Samara Weaving and Mark O'Brien, the film also stars Adam Brody, and Andie MacDowell, as well as many other actors who make the film as good as it is. It's the kind of film where a whole variety of actors could have played these parts, but the ones that were chosen were so good that you really can't picture anyone else in those roles.

Overall, watch this film. It's great, it's original, and even if you don't end up loving the film, you certainly won't feel like you wasted your time.

7/10

Lou