Written and directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, co-written by Denise Burse, who also stars in the film. Two years after escaping a violent attack, a teenage girl must defend herself against a domestic terrorist cell. Starring: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Matt Angel and Courtney Gains.
It’s safe to say that anyone who has seen Becky knew its savvy, vengeful young heroine was never going to go on to live a normal, violence-free life and now The Wrath of Becky is here to live out that complicated future. First off, if you enjoyed the first film, you should have a great time with the sequel, it does exactly what you’d hope, grows the character and continues the blend of youth and relentless blood.
Straight away it jumps in with a feel that’s reminiscent of Happy Death Day or Freaky, it’s lively, strong, sarcastic and has that IDGAF attitude. Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote embody the persona of Becky in their direction, with quick pacing, a lot of personality and a playful, comedic side. It’s so easy to be drawn in for the ride and switching things up to take aim at a certain far-right, neo-fascist group was a great choice.
It immediately opens up the thirst for violence, you want to see these arrogant, racist, misogynist and over-confident men meet with messy ends. Angel and Coote serve that desire well, The Wrath of Beckyis a nicely bloody affair and throws some good creativity in the mix. It also does a fantastic job of using its time, it comes in at a delightful eighty-four minutes and moves swiftly. It doesn’t rely on the violence, rather that it partners with the plot, it’s undeniably a big part of things but it also has a fun story to offer.
Of course, the least surprising thing from The Wrath of Becky is that Lulu Wilson serves an even more biting and entertaining performance. She gets the chance to build this character even more and revels in it, she’s headstrong, resilient and unrelenting. This time around, we get another interesting mix of villains, but first but we get Denise Burse’s Elena, who is a joy to watch and the relationship that she builds with Wilson’s Becky brings out more layers to the broken young woman.
Taking on the role of big bad, following in Kevin James’ footsteps is Seann William Scott, who is definitely underrated for his dark side. He is fantastic at bringing out a wickedness, creating a cold, calculated character in Darryl. Courtney Gains is entertaining as his right hand man, fleshing out the film’s comedic side. Michael Sirow is the first to kick off the thirst for revenge with Anthony, he deserves a lot of credit for how deeply dislikable he makes this character. Also special mention has to go to Jill Larson, who is an unexpected delight but her involvement is best left unspoiled.
The Wrath of Becky is a satisfyingly bloody sequel, giving Becky another reason to get her hands dirty and giving audiences a highly enjoyable second outing of such a phenomenal character. It’s filled with colour and a big energy, in a very youthful way, every aspect of the style feels in tune with its leading lady killer teen. It’s a shame the films haven’t garnered more attention but in the years to come they will likely become cult classics because they are a really great time.
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