‘Ready or Not’ is an extremely violent thriller that is also absolutely hilarious

Posted on August 30, 2019

By MARK VIOLA

So, I feel like I need to apologize to Samara Weaving, the lead actress in the new horror-comedy thriller “Ready or Not.” I saw the trailer for the film numerous times, and every time I thought she was Margot Robbie. In my defense, they do look alike, and I was far from the only person to make that mistake, but Weaving (“The Babysitter”) is really good in this new movie, which is absolutely insane, but also extremely entertaining.

“Ready or Not” is definitely one of those guilty pleasure films that had me laughing at things I really shouldn’t have been laughing about. Seriously, I would have felt really bad about it if I wasn’t having so much fun.

The story centers on Grace (Weaving), who is about to marry Alex La Domas (Mark O’Brien, “City on a Hill”) and join his extremely wealthy family, who are so rich they call themselves the La Domas Gaming Dominion because they made their fortune in games and sports.

It doesn’t seem like Alex’s family likes her very much, which Alex considers a good sign of her character, and he’s right, because the family is hiding a really big secret. Believing their ancestor made a supernatural pact to secure their fortune, the La Domases hold a bit of an initiation whenever anyone marries into the family. They must play a game, one chosen from a mysterious box dating back to the original pact.

Whatever game is chosen by the box, they must play, whether it be Old Maid or Go Fish. If the game is hide and seek, however, the rules are much deadlier. You can guess which game is chosen for Grace.

The result is a blood-soaked night of hiding, seeking, mishaps and family squabbles. Let me say this again. “Ready or Not” is absolutely hilarious. The script, from Guy Busick (“The Urge”) and Ryan Murphy (“Minutes Past Midnight”), is really smart, and frankly smarter than it really had to be. The rules actually make sense in their own unhinged sort of way, and really give the characters motivation for their actions. Adding in the fact that most of Alex’s family members are crazy, and you have a volatile mixture primed for blood and comedy.

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