Introduction
The Wrath of Becky is a 2023 action-thriller film that captures the American audacity of Becky (2020) its predecessor. Directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, the sequel presents a coming-of-age story of the teenage anti-hero Becky. With elements of dark comedy, social criticism, and ultra-violence, the film shamelessly depicts a hate-fueled extremist being dealt with in a brutally creative manner by a young woman.
The original film gained a cult following for its unique blend of teenage angst and over-the-top vengeance, but the sequel embraces a more stylized, comic-book approach.
Plot Summary
The sequel is set two years after the events of the first film. Becky is now 16 years old and being raised by Elena, a kind-hearted but tough older woman who is now her guardian. Becky, along with her loyal dog Diego, is coming to terms with the chaos that ensued after her father’s death and trying to lead a peaceful life.
Becky’s piece of mind is shattered after encountering a diner a group of men who are affiliated with a far right extremist group known as The Noble Men. Following a coffee spill altercation, the men brutally attack Becky at her home. As result, Elena is killed, and her dog is dog is taken.
After Becky finds out The Noble Men are a part of a larger militia group, she goes after them seeking revenge. The group is preparing to conduct an act of domestic terrorism.
The grop’s leader, Darryl, is a dangerously charismatic man who is seeking to revert to what he believes are “traditional values.” He employs force to assert this belief. Becky is able to outsmart the group’s rural base using her intelligence, a set of traps, and a collection of improvised arms. Step by step, she bloodily dismantled group’s plans, one excruciating kill at a time.Her journey shifts beyond personal revenge. As Becky uncovers the depth of the Noble Men’s ideology and their dangerous plans, she emerges, not only as a survivor, but as some sort of heroine of unanticipated defiance. The film’s final moments indicate that a broader sequel is in the works, hinting that Becky’s conflict against hate is only beginning.
Cast and Performances
Lulu Wilson reprises her role as Becky, bringing ferocity, charm, and emotional nuance to a character who could easily tilt into parody. Wilson’s performance is both the heart of the film and the character of Becky. Wilson portrays Becky as a character who balances vulnerability with cold-blooded precision. This makes her one of the most interesting young heroines in contemporary genre cinema.
Scott William Seann gives a dangerously calm performance as Darryl, the Noble Men’s leader. Known for his comedic roles, Scott flips the script here, playing a calm yet deeply sinister villain. His understated menace works well with the explosive energy of Becky.
Denise Burse plays Elena, who is Becky’s guardian and her emotional anchor. Even though her screen time is limited, her presence brings a sense of warmth and depth to the story. Moreover, her loss serves as the emotional catalyst for the carnage that ensues.
The supporting cast includes members of the Noble Men, each of whom has their own distinct, twisted, and violent personality. Their characters parallel and act as foils to Becky’s sharp intellect and her righteous fury.
Direction, Cinematography, and Style
Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote, the directors, inject The Wrath of Becky with sleek, stylized energy. While the first Becky film had a grittier, more grounded feel, The Wrath of Becky leans into a more kinetic, comic book energy. Strategically bold color palettes, stylized editing, and pulpy narrative devices lend the film an overall heightened sense of reality.
The action scenes are fast and brutal, with a high level of inventiveness. Becky’s traps and attacks are a gory, DIY blend of Home Alone and John Wick. While the graphic violence is at times dark, the exaggerated nature of it injects a sense of humor to the film, preventing it from being too grim.
The brisk pacing ensures that the movie never lags, maintaining character and thematic development within the 90 minute run time. It moves from setup, to chaos, to resolution, balancing character development along the way.
The Wrath of Becky Centers on Beaty’s Rage
As the title of the film suggests, The Wrath of Becky’s focuses on Becky’s youthful rage, specifically rage that society tends to overlook and downplay, especially when it comes from teenage girls. Becky embodies grief and rage, but she is no passive victim. Instead, she is an active, and when necessary, a devastating force.
Mockery of Extremism Ideologies
The film also does not pull punches when it comes to making fun of and disparaging real world extremist ideologies. The Noble Men, an extremist hate group, is a farcical amalgamation of modern day hate groups which incorporates illogical reasoning, toxic misogyny, and violence. Becky is counterposed to the group, which highlights, even further, the absurdity and danger of extremist ideologies.
Self Proclaimed Justice
Unlike most people, Becky does not wait for justice to be delivered. Instead she carves her own path, shredding the accepted norms that have done nothing but fail to protect her and countless others. While some may describe her actions as radical, she is portrayed as a modern day Robin Hood, serving sweet vengeance on those cloaked in politics and power.
Critical Reception
Both viewers and critics shared mostly positive takes on The Wrath of Becky. The film has been credited for capturing its unique energy and revamping the revenge-thriller genre.
Reviewers noted the film’s unapologetic tone combined with Wilson’s commanding performance as the film’s standout. Some thought the film was an improvement over the original because of its brisk pacing, streamlined plot, and clear character motivations.
There were still a few viewers who objected to the film’s overuse of violence, including Becky’s near-superhuman effectiveness as a character. Supporters of the film counter, saying that its exaggerations and stylizations are its greatest strengths, with purposefully over-the-top framing far away from gritty realism.
Conclusion
There are few more appealing forms of rebellious teenage empowerment than The Wrath of Becky’s viciously over-the-top violence and bloodshed. The sequel surpasses its predecessor in anger and humor while radically redefining itself with a sharper, more politically-inclined focus.
Lulu Wilson’s breakout performance showcases her talent, and her defiant attitude adds to a more streamlined narrative that has Becky firmly etched as an emerging icon in revenge cinema. The story leaves off hinting at future development, which indicates that Becky’s tale is far from complete. Her story, and far more violent adversaries, are in for a lot more to dread from a meticulously crafted vengeance.
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