Becky is a 2020 action thriller, not usually my go-to type of film but call me curious. It follows an angry teenager, the titular Becky, after her family’s lake house is invaded by a group of escaped convicts searching for a key.
This was a really good movie, its greatest strength being some of the characters. Becky is a layered relatable girl, a teenager who is mourning her mother and unwilling to accept her father’s new relationship…and who might grow up to be a serial killer. She’s essentially a much bloodier Kevin McAlister and it is both fascinating and disturbing watching her craft weapons out of things like stationary. Lulu Wilson’s performance is amazing, balancing the vindictive anger with the young vulnerability of her character.
2020 Yale Productions
The four convicts are a varied bunch, with their Neo-Nazi leader and his monstrously tall second being the most interesting. In comparison, the other two come across as a bit buffoonish in comparison. One is scared of dogs (the family have two Cane Corso dogs and while they are a fairly intimidating breed, he seems to forget that he has a gun), and the other can’t swim. Kevin James plays the leader Dominick and, having only ever seen him in comedic roles, it was quite a shock seeing him portray a character this loathsome. He’s a paternal figure to his men, switching from manipulative to absolutely brutal and chilling at times. At that’s even before he starts making white supremacist comments. His lieutenant Apex is another interesting one. It’s not unheard of for films to include the morally conflicted villain but Robert Maillet shows how to do it right.
I was surprised by how gory this film was. There were some very bloody scenes and they’re scattered enough to keep the viewer from getting desensitized to the violence. I don’t know what was done practically and what was done with CGI, but it all looked very real and I will admit to at least one moment when I had to divert my eyes.
The cinematography was good, one moment that stood out was a conversation between Becky and Dominick via walkie talkies. The shot kept sliding back and forth from one to the other, the distance shortening each time to make it feel like they were getting closer and closer.
2020 Yale Productions
In terms of the story, it’s fairly simple but it doesn’t feel underwritten. It’s more like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the more overly complicated films of the past few years that rely on twists upon twists. I will say some of the more talking heavy scenes were a bit weaker than others, especially when it’s the stepmother talking (who was a bit of a nothing character) or a convict talking to Becky. There were a couple of lines from her where she gets furious about a criminal referring to her new stepmother as her mum and I understand it’s a sensitive subject for her, but maybe not the best time? But fortunately these moments don’t detract from the film as a whole.
If you’re looking for a solid, surprisingly intense character driven film or just want to see what would happen if the characters in Home Alone were a touch more psychotic, Becky is one to watch.
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