Ready or Not, directed by duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, does not reinvent the wheel in terms of crafting a new unseen palette regarding horror convention, but it does put forward a creative, atmospheric and entertaining romp of thrilling proportion with a thunderous central performance from Samara Weaving.

Before and after the credits roll, the viewer would be forgiven if their immediate thought is that Ready or Not is property of the horror production hub Blumhouse. It has all the details of any work said studio puts out: a simplistic yet elevated narrative that implements an updated style with a distinctively up-and-coming cast list and a notable lead performance (more often than not anyway).

Ready or Not ticks all the boxes above, and even with its notion of slight unoriginality by taking small elements from every horror motion picture in the last decade - most apparent being The Purge - it sets itself out from the pack with a constantly engaging screenplay from writers Guy Busick and Ryan Murphy. Both writers expertly balance tone in what seems like an effortless method; the comedic timing is perfect, and the casting is a notable example of utter perfection with Adam Brody who injects the ideal amount of drama dipped in comedy with profound effect that does not overpower the system.

The film also hits strong when it showcases moments of horror. Those moments are equally gripping as they are intense and horrifying. Ready or Not at no point forgets its place in terms of genre and supplies memorable moments of atmospheric horror that the film savours in presenting and exploring, some methodically slow and torturous with sharp pacing and others vicariously paced with fierce impact.

However, the crowning jewel of this whole feature is undeniably the presence of the marvelous Samara Weaving. The actress in her first major leading outing is nothing short of outstanding as bride-to-be Grace. Weaving expertly provides a stunning parallel of overly pressing dramatic prowess and small, subtle elements of humour sprinkled in for engaging impact. The result is a multi-dimensional performance with a significantly layered creation that leads to a captivating portryal that undeniably cements Weaving as the perfect final girl in the history of the horror genre.

Ready or Not is released in theatres September 29, 2019.

Ready or Not

Judy

In the Shadow of the Moon