The high concept hide-and-seek horror comedy Ready or Not will give horror fans a fun outing during the dog days of summer.
Samara Weaving, who just spent the summer in New Orleans filming Bill & Ted Face the Music, plays Grace, a young woman marrying into a wealthy family. The family (headed by Henry Czerny and Andie MacDowell) has been filthy rich for generations due to its gaming empire. When Weaving marries their youngest son (Mark O'Brien), family tradition insists they must play a game. Weaving draws a card of hide & seek, but once she hides, her new in-laws hunt herin the style of "The Most Dangerous Game". If they don't find her before dawn, the family believes a generations-old curse will kill them.
Weaving, who I'd previously only seen in a small role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, looks like a star in the making. She's tough when she has to be, but still remains believably freaked out and vulnerable during the chase. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett keep things moving at a brisk pace (95 minutes). The script, by Guy Busick and Ryan Murphy (no, not American Horror Story Ryan Murphy), admirably follows the nutty premise to its natural conclusion.
While there are laughs along the way thanks to the squabbling family, Ready or Not is still gory enough to not be for the weak of stomach. But it should develop a following amongst horror fans.
