Ready or Not (2019) - A Dark and Thrilling Horror Comedy

At midnight, we have to play a game.

After winning the game, Ready or Not appeared in theaters in 2019. Grace marries into Alex Le Domas’ wealthy family. The best day of Grace’s life is ruined when the traditional family game is announced. Trapped in a deadly game of hide ‘n seek, Grace must seek survival as the family chases after her, armed with weapons.

I was not ready (pun intended) for how good this movie would be! Ready or Not is a thrilling ride that tells the horrors of in-laws and traditions. This film is a terrific blend of horror-comedy, violence, and social commentary to let go of traditions for the better.

Samara Weaving plays Grace, our scream queen who runs frantically in every direction to avoid being killed. Grace puts up a good fight. No matter what, you always must fight back. I like how Weaving played the role, putting humor and subtle characteristics into her performance.

Have you ever thought you’d see Andie McDowell in a horror film? Neither did I and she killed it! More credits include Adam Brody, Mark O’Brien, Henry Czerny, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Bruun, Elyse Levesque, and Nicky Guadagnie.

Ready or Not shouts a terrific character ensemble. The interactions are my favorite part of this film. More films must take note of the dynamics in this film. Emilie (Scrofano) was my favorite side character. Her personality didn’t mix with the family’s villainous personalities, but then again, the family only heeded family traditions.

They did an insanely awesome job, directed by horror kings, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet. They are bloody good at horror, especially with their latest films, Scream 6 and Abigail. I noticed some parallels to Abigail, featuring similar ensemble techniques and bloody special effects.

Speaking of blood, it splatters everywhere. Remember that awful nail scene in Quiet Place? There’s a similar painful scene in this film. Surprisingly, the scene was done with CGI, and the nail was added post-production. Weaving’s painful reaction nailed a genuine response.

Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet have a knack for dark comedy. Some of the best dialogue comes out of this movie! The blend of horror and comedy is expertly handled, allowing audiences to laugh one moment and gasp the next.

If you like the movie, wait until you hear about the making of Ready or Not. I always love looking up behind-the-scenes facts about any movie because the process is just as important.

Just like how I predicted, Grace’s wedding gown endures a horrific transformation from its lovely white fabrics into ripped, disheveled, and splattered with red blood. Costume designer Avery Plewes designed 17 different wedding dresses, each getting tattered to pieces.

Most of the filming happened at Casa Loma in Toronto, Canada, a museum where you can take tours. The mansion is extravagant, containing several different rooms and hallways. Filmmakers had strict rules not to light candles or touch furniture in some areas. Ready or Not isn’t the only horror movie filmed there, including Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak.

The cinematography is excellent, creating a bright ambiance of a dark setting. The camera looms in on the mansion and the dark twisted hallways, manifesting a monstrous presence occupying the area. The music is sinister as it builds throughout the film, featuring a new rendition of 'Love Me Tender' by Elvis Presley.

Ready or Not has joined my list of favorite horror movies to watch in October. If you have not seen it, put Ready Or Not on your watch list this Halloween season. The dark horror comedy is not to be missed.