It is a truth universally acknowledged that in-laws are the worst. This sentiment is the foundation for Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s audacious horror-comedy. After marrying a sweet man, Grace (Samara Weaving) learns that in order to be indoctrinated into his wealthy family, she must play a game: not a traditional game like Chess or Old Maid but rather a game of hide and seek that turns deadly when she becomes the target of a long-awaited familial sacrifice. At times, you may have to suspend your disbelief, but the joy of Ready or Not is its willingness to be outlandish without compromise. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett create a harmonious blend of genres that can too often feel at odds with one another: the elements of horror become the catalyst for comedic relief and vice versa. Weaving comes alive as a hilarious and deeply macabre play on the “final girl” archetype, and it’s nothing short of cathartic to cheer her on and echo the rage that quickly consumes and empowers her.
Ready or Not
R • 1 hour 35 min • 2019
