The marketing for this film did it no favors, basically presenting it as a ‘Ready or Not’ clone, failing to highlight the elements that make it unique. There is overlap between the basic setup of the two films, but they quickly diverge and pursue tangential directions with different intentions. While I normally decry trailers that spoil plot elements, there is an early twist that immediately distinguishes the film, and this is a rare instance the film might have benefitted by having that element introduced prior. However, the better option is always: going in blind.
Audiences not knowing what to expect will likely get caught off guard at something utterly batshit introduced rather quickly.
The movie goes very wacky, a live action cartoon in celebration of hyper-violent glee with a wicked sense of humor. It is lean, it is vicious, and it is fantastically choreographed and shot. Hopefully no one going into this film has the expectation of scares, as there’s none to be had. There are certainly some horrific elements, and some creative carnage, but little to make one cringe or gasp, as grins are normally the result. The film flirts at some thematic depth and notions of class warfare and racial equity, but then the film remembers the protagonist is holding a flaming axe. There are no stakes, and little matters other than letting Zazie Beetz wreak absolute carnage against floors of antagonists. It almost feels like a cartoon take on the Raid, as the protagonist methodically takes on floor after floor, upgrading her arsenal and definitely striking some of the most metal poses the year has to offer. There is something to be said for the fighting and action, in that: the protagonist is far from invulnerable, yet proficient in her fighting prowess. This isn’t a film where she’s physically overpowering her larger opponents, but fighting craftier and more resourcefully. She isn’t unstoppable, but measured about when to stop: realizing her endurance and stamina are finite in the face of overwhelming odds. While initially she’s an unreliable narrator and questionable protagonist, Beetz is charismatic and fierce and subsequent fight scenes look earned and in line with the character's backstory. While empty of scares or deeper content, this film is an unapologetic high-octane horror/action romp that should provide most viewers a seasonal treat to enjoy.