Ready or Not was one of the best horror experiences I’ve ever had! It’s suspenseful, fun, and thoroughly engaging from start to finish. Samara Weaving delivers a masterful performance in this genre, showcasing her talent in blending fear and resilience with ease. The inclusion of dark comedy throughout the film adds a refreshing layer to the narrative. It’s worth noting, however, that this film is very gory—this isn’t a spoiler, just a warning for the squeamish. For horror fans, though, you’re in for a real treat!
The pacing is excellent. The film wastes no time, diving into character introductions and setting up the "game" within the first 30 minutes. I loved how we saw Grace evolve as a character, gradually going to greater and greater lengths to survive. The transition felt natural and compelling, and her growth as the story unfolded was one of the film’s strongest elements.
There was nothing that bogged the film down for me; it was a thrilling ride all the way through. The practical effects were a standout feature—although there was some CGI, it was seamless and didn’t detract from the experience. The brutality of certain scenes had me cringing (in the best way), and the gore was plentiful enough to satisfy without overwhelming.
Visually, the film is shot beautifully, with clever camera angles that heighten tension and immerse you in the action. The costume design also deserves a nod—particularly Grace’s slow transformation, which juxtaposes the pristine bridal imagery with the chaos she endures. This subtle shift adds to the relatability and depth of her character.
The soundtrack, while not particularly memorable, effectively builds tension where needed. One standout musical moment was the eerie "Hide and Seek" song, which fit the tone perfectly. I might even look it up—it left quite an impression.
The cast as a whole is excellent, with every character adding something unique to the story. There isn’t a single bland role among them. Henry Czerny as Tony (the family patriarch) and Elyse Levesque as Charity (the sister-in-law) were particular highlights. But of course, Samara Weaving as Grace steals the show. She portrays fear and badassery with such ease, reminding me of Erin from You’re Next. Grace is a horror filmmaker’s dream protagonist—you can’t help but root for her.
This movie balances horror and comedy brilliantly, knowingly poking fun at genre clichés without losing its edge. It’s funny, scary, and self-aware in the best way. The sound design, aesthetics, and effects are superb, and everything is beautifully shot.
The introduction grabbed my attention, setting the tone perfectly while giving just enough exposition to avoid confusion or boredom. There aren’t many jump scares, but the sudden use of weapons in moments of silence made me shudder. The gross-out elements are minimal and not the film’s focus, making it more approachable for viewers who aren’t into excessive gore.
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Lastly, the ending deserves special mention. While I personally tend to root for happy endings (that’s just my preference), I have to admit that the conclusion was satisfying and well-suited to the story. It had a plot twist that tied things up brilliantly.
Verdict:
Ready or Not is one of the most entertaining movies of 2019. It’s tense, hilarious, and filled with memorable characters. Samara Weaving is phenomenal, embodying a strong-willed, brave woman thrown into a horrific game of hide and seek. This film will keep you thinking for days. Funny, thrilling, and cleverly executed—it’s a 8/10 for me.
