Review: Ready or Not

Release date: August 21, 2019
Running time: 95 minutes
Starring:  Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O'Brien 

Ready or not, here it comes. Ready or Not is a new thriller with dark comedy elements that depicts a deadly game of hide and seek. When new bride Grace learns of her in-law’s family tradition of playing a game on any family member's wedding night, she thinks it’s a silly ritual but plays along to appease them. However, after the game begins, she quickly learns that there is more than her new parents approval on the line.

The first thing you notice about Ready or Not is the imagery.  The film is set in a classic estate with all the creepy touches that you would expect: secret passages, hidden elevators, and medieval weapons abound.  Additionally, because the family acquired its money from early century board games, the film does a fantastic job of evoking that feel.  The board games and images are beautifully illustrated and feel like they were plucked from the 1920s, as does a special song that plays during the movie. The film really nails this setting and it helps to transport you into this twisted house and its deadly game.  This transformation is further assisted by some stellar performances, most notably from Samara Weaving and Adam Brody.  Weaving is captivating as the new bride thrust into a strange situation and Brody is refreshing to watch.  And finally, the film is compact and doesn't overstay its welcome.

For a film that was marketed more on the horror side, there is a lot of dark humor throughout.  There are several jokes with multiple meanings, and some pretty gruesome imagery used for laughs.  This might be off putting to some, but I really enjoyed it and thought it gave the film a unique charm.  Think Clue but more gruesome.  Additionally, some of the characters become slightly ridiculous towards the end of the film, and one person’s transitions seems out of character.  But if you can get past these minor issues and your humor strays on the darker side, then you will love this movie.

Ready or Not tells a twisted tale with plenty of dark humor.  The setting is fantastic, the imagery feels authentic, and the performances give this deadly game a unique charm that will make you want to play again.  

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