As Grace (Samara Weaving) marries Alex (Mark O’Brien) and becomes part of Le Domas’ “gaming dominion,” she is about to learn of a bizarre ritual that the Domases practice. As part of the initiation into the Le Domas’ fold, the newcomer must first play a game. Although most games are harmless, if perchance the naive newly-betrothed draws a card that reads “Hide & Seek,” then all hell breaks loose. For their survival, the other family members have to get rid off the initiate by dawn. At Film Comments, we take a look at this Matt Bettinelli-Olpin’s movie in the Ready or Not film review.
Ready or Not is an absurd no-holds-barred horror-comedy. While the hide-and-seek game is on and weapons are being used and misused, the newly-wedded bride has to make it till daybreak. While the narrative is not evenly-paced, and there are a few troughs between the highs, Ready or Not still manages to entertain.
Samara Weaving is excellent as someone who has to fight it out if she has to survive a good old game of hide-and-seek with a devilish twist. Adam Brody as Daniel, the tipsy brother of the groom, Alex, turns in an impressive performance. Of the other cast, Andie MacDowell as Alex’s mother Becky and Melanie Scrofano as his sister Emilie are thoroughly entertaining as well. It is hard to say who stands out the most as the entire cast is brilliant and is the soul of this film.
A simple yet original premise, nifty cinematography, excellent sound effects, and brilliant background score further elevate the film. In parts, it plays out like an escape room game scenario, where Grace has to find a way out of the Le Domas’ estate before it is too late.
While there is enough in the Ready or Not to sustain the interest of the genre fans, the deliciously dark and twisted ending is sure to be the cherry on the cake. At times, the narrative gets repetitive with the dialogues not living up to the originality of the plot. Although, these are minor flaws in an otherwise entertaining film.
There are moments in Ready or Not when you feel that the director is unsure whether to push the comedy envelope or keep up with the goriness. However, there is plenty of mayhem and more than a couple of laughs to be had once Grace learns of the strange circumstances that besiege her.
Horror aficionados who fancy gore with a touch of comedy will appreciate Ready or Not much more than the jump scare fans. Not for those who are easily repelled by the sight of blood, Ready or Not is fresh, gory, and frequently entertaining. However, the film falls short of achieving its full potential. Walking out of the theatre, I could not help but think that apart from a few exhilarating moments, Ready or Not does not live up to the far more thrilling ride that it could have been. I would recommend Ready or Not, but only to the die-hard fans of horror-comedy.
Ready or Not film review rates Ready or Not 
(3 / 5)
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