Ready or Not (2019)
1Digest
This podcast episode offers a comprehensive review of the 2019 film "Ready or Not," exploring its themes of class warfare, "good for her cinema," and satire of the wealthy. The hosts dissect the plot, character development (praising Samara Weaving's performance as Grace while critiquing underdeveloped female characters like Aunt Helene and Charity), and directorial choices. They discuss the film's use of the Bechdel test, its "kill the rich" genre elements, and compare its dialogue style to "Joss Whedon coded" writing. The episode also includes promotions for various iHeart Radio podcasts, such as "Keep It Positive Sweetie," "The Bechdelcast," "The Secret World of Roald Dahl," and "It Girl with Bailey Taylor," alongside PSAs for wildfire prevention and announcements for the iHeart Country Festival.
Outlines
Introduction and Podcast Promotions
The hosts introduce themselves and the podcast, promoting other iHeart Radio shows like "Keep It Positive Sweetie" and "The Nick Dickenspole Show." They also feature a PSA about wildfire prevention from Smokey Bear and announce the iHeart Country Festival.
Introducing The Bechdelcast and its Core Concepts
The Bechdelcast is introduced, a podcast that examines movies through an intersectional feminist lens. The hosts explain the Bechdel test and their modified version, which assesses if two characters of a marginalized gender speak to each other about something other than a man.
Film Anticipation and Patreon Content
The hosts discuss anticipation for a potential "Devil Wears Prada 2" and unlock a Patreon episode discussing "Ready or Not 1 & 2" and "Madam Web," linking it to Dakota Johnson.
"Ready or Not" (2019) - Initial Discussion and Genre Exploration
The discussion begins on "Ready or Not," touching on its themes and introducing the genres of "good for her cinema" and "rich people bad cinema," with the film being a prime example of the latter.
"Ready or Not" Plot Recap - The Wedding Game Begins
A detailed plot recap of "Ready or Not" unfolds, starting with the opening flashback and the introduction of the deadly "Hide and Seek" game tradition of the La Domasse family.
Character Analysis in "Ready or Not"
The hosts analyze key characters, including Grace and Alex, discussing their roles and family dynamics. Adam Brody's portrayal of Daniel La Domasse is also highlighted.
"Ready or Not" Family Lore and Game Mechanics
The La Domasse family's history with games and the mechanics of their deadly ritual are explored, including the origins of the tradition with Victor La Domas and Mr. LeBel.
"Ready or Not" The Game and its Escalation
The wedding night game of "Hide and Seek" commences, leading to Grace's escape attempts, accidental killings by Emily, and the revelation of the curse tied to the ritual.
"Ready or Not" vs. "Saw" and Grace's Escape Attempts
The film's motivations are compared to Jigsaw's from the "Saw" franchise. Grace's escape attempts continue, encountering Daniel and later acquiring a weapon.
"Ready or Not" Climax and Family Downfall
Alex is captured, Aunt Helene is revealed, and Grace seeks refuge. The climax involves Georgie shooting Grace, her escape from a pit, and the family's ultimate demise due to the failed ritual at sunrise.
"Ready or Not" Filmmaking, Themes, and Critiques
The hosts discuss the filmmakers, female character portrayal in horror, Grace's realistic characterization, and inconsistencies in her actions. They also touch upon the butler trope, dialogue style, and the film's commentary on class and weddings.
Keywords
"Ready or Not" (2019 Film)
A 2019 horror-comedy film about a bride forced to survive her in-laws' deadly wedding night game, praised for its satire and "good for her" themes.
Bechdel Test
A measure of female representation in media, requiring two women to discuss something other than a man. The podcast uses this as a starting point for feminist film analysis.
Good for Her Cinema
A genre where female protagonists overcome adversity and find empowerment, exemplified by films like "Heathers" and "Ready or Not."
Kill the Rich Cinema
A subgenre critiquing the wealthy elite, often depicting them as corrupt and deserving of comeuppance, with "Ready or Not" being a key example.
Samara Weaving
Actress praised for her performance as Grace in "Ready or Not," delivering a strong and believable portrayal of a woman in peril.
Joss Whedon Coded
Refers to a writing style characterized by quippy, fast-paced dialogue, often seen in "Ready or Not," reminiscent of early 2010s energy.
Class Representation in Film
Analysis of how socioeconomic status is depicted, focusing on the portrayal of working-class characters and the film's message about wealth inequality.
Wedding Tropes in Cinema
Discussion on the cinematic portrayal of weddings, contrasting idealized versions with the film's cautionary tale about marriage and its challenges.
Character Development in Horror
Examination of character depth in horror, critiquing underdeveloped female characters and missed opportunities for nuanced portrayals.
Podcast Promotion
Mentions of various iHeart Radio podcasts, including "Keep It Positive Sweetie," "The Bechdelcast," "The Secret World of Roald Dahl," and "It Girl with Bailey Taylor."
Q&A
What is the Bechdel test and how is it used in the podcast?
The Bechdel test is a measure of female representation in media, requiring two women to talk to each other about something other than a man. The Bechdelcast podcast uses this test as a starting point for analyzing films through a feminist lens.
What is "good for her cinema"?
"Good for her cinema" refers to films where a female protagonist triumphs or shows resilience, often in the face of adversity. Examples include "Heathers" and "Ready or Not," which often feature empowering moments for the female lead.
How does "Ready or Not" fit into the "kill the rich" genre?
"Ready or Not" critiques the wealthy La Domasse family and their deadly traditions. The film provides a satisfying narrative where the rich family ultimately faces a violent demise, aligning with the "kill the rich" theme.
What are some criticisms of the female character writing in "Ready or Not"?
While praising Grace's overall character, the hosts noted inconsistencies, such as her hesitation to run over the butler and dialogue that felt "Joss Whedon coded." They also pointed out that the first victims were working-class staff.
Who directed "Ready or Not" and what are their other notable works?
"Ready or Not" was directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work on the "Scream" franchise (Scream 5 and 6) and the horror anthology "V/H/S."
How does the movie's portrayal of working-class characters contribute to its overall message about class?
The podcast argues that the film's decision to quickly kill off working-class characters undermines its message about taking down the rich. This narrative choice is seen as a missed opportunity to explore class dynamics more deeply.
How does the film subvert traditional wedding movie tropes?
Instead of presenting weddings as purely happy, celebratory events, the movie uses them as a backdrop for a cautionary tale. It highlights how marriage can significantly change circumstances and emphasizes the effort required to maintain relationships.
Which female characters were criticized for being underwritten, and why?
Aunt Helene, Charity, and Emily are discussed as underwritten. Their motivations and backstories lack depth, leading to missed opportunities for richer character development and a less impactful narrative.
What is the podcast's overall assessment of the movie, despite its flaws?
Despite acknowledging flaws in character development and inclusivity, the hosts found the movie enjoyable. They appreciated its commentary on the negative aspects of wealth and its fun, heightened horror elements, particularly the ending.
Show Notes
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