Becky: Lulu Wilson’s raw survival thriller overshadows messy execution

The final shot of “Becky” lingers on a bloodied, determined Lulu Wilson staring down the barrel of a gun, her face streaked with dirt and tears. It’s an image that encapsulates the film’s chaotic, adrenaline-fueled essence—equal parts thrilling and unsettling.

Directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott from a screenplay by Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye, “Becky” is a hybrid of thriller, horror, and action genres. The plot follows thirteen-year-old Becky Hooper (Wilson), who finds her weekend at a lake house with her father (Joel McHale) interrupted when a group of escaped Neo-Nazi convicts led by Dominick (Kevin James) turns their lives into a nightmare. The film was released in 2020 amid the pandemic, premiering on digital platforms and select drive-ins.

What works best in “Becky” is Lulu Wilson’s performance. She carries the film with a raw, visceral energy that makes Becky’s transformation from a grieving teenager to a ruthless survivor feel earned. The practical effects and gory makeup work during the film’s more horrific moments are also noteworthy, adding a layer of gritty realism to the action sequences. The lake house setting is utilized effectively, creating claustrophobic tension as the characters are trapped with their attackers.

However, the film falters in its pacing and character development. The rapid-fire action sequences, while exciting, often feel rushed, leaving little room for emotional beats or meaningful interactions between characters. Kevin James’s portrayal of Dominick is a missed opportunity; his performance lacks the menacing presence needed to make him a truly formidable antagonist. Additionally, the film’s attempt to blend multiple genres results in a tonal whiplash that can be disorienting.

The script also struggles with consistency. Becky’s resourcefulness and combat skills, while impressive, sometimes border on the implausible, even for an action-horror film. The film’s attempts at social commentary through the Neo-Nazi theme feel underdeveloped and tacked on rather than seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

In the end, “Becky” is a wild ride that delivers on its promise of thrills and chills but stumbles in its execution.