Becky: A Bloody, Gritty Coming-of-Age Survival Thriller

The opening shot of Becky (2020) is a close-up of Lulu Wilson’s face, smeared with blood, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and defiance. This image sets the tone for a film that tries to be many things at once: a thriller, a horror, an action movie, and a coming-of-age story. Directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott, Becky is a messy but occasionally engaging ride, anchored by Wilson’s standout performance.

The plot is straightforward: 13-year-old Becky (Wilson) and her father Jeff (Joel McHale) are enjoying a weekend at their lake house when a group of neo-Nazi convicts, led by the menacing Dominick (Kevin James), invade their home. What follows is a brutal battle for survival, as Becky uses her wit and resourcefulness to fight back against the intruders.

Wilson’s performance is the film’s strongest asset. She brings a spunky rebelliousness to the role, delivering deadpan lines with a smirk that makes Becky both likable and formidable. Her physicality is also impressive, from wielding colored pencils as weapons to gouging out an attacker’s eye with a key. Wilson’s portrayal of Becky’s grief over her mother’s death adds emotional depth to the character, making her more than just a one-dimensional action hero.

The film’s action sequences are visceral and well-staged, particularly the scenes where Becky turns everyday objects into weapons. The tension is palpable in these moments, and the practical effects add a gritty realism that heightens the horror. However, the pacing stumbles in the quieter moments, with some of the dialogue feeling clichéd or lazy. The backstory is as predictable as it gets, which renders most of the movie pointless.

The film’s attempt to blend genres leads to some tonal inconsistencies. The horror elements are effective when focusing on the psychological toll of Becky’s ordeal, but the action sequences sometimes veer into over-the-top territory that undermines the tension. The neo-Nazi angle adds a layer of social commentary, but it feels underdeveloped and tacked on rather than seamlessly integrated.

Despite its flaws, Becky has moments of genuine excitement and originality. The film’s willingness to put a young girl at the center of such a brutal narrative is refreshing, and Wilson’s performance elevates the material. The film also explores themes of grief and family dynamics, adding emotional weight to the action-packed plot.

The supporting cast does not fare as well as Wilson. Kevin James, typically known for his comedic roles, is miscast as the neo-Nazi leader Dominick. His performance lacks the menace required for such a villainous role, and his dialogue often feels forced and unnatural. Joel McHale fares slightly better as Becky’s father Jeff, but his character is underdeveloped, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized person.

The direction by Murnion and Milott is competent but uninspired. The film relies heavily on jump scares and quick cuts to create tension, which can feel formulaic and predictable. Some of the cinematography is visually striking, particularly the shots of the lake house surrounded by dense woods, but these moments are too few and far between.

Becky’s target audience seems to be fans of home-invasion thrillers and action-horror hybrids like “The Strangers” or “You’re Next.” However, it lacks the clever dialogue and social commentary that made those films stand out. The film also tries to appeal to a younger audience with its protagonist, but the brutal violence and intense scenes may be too much for some viewers.

In terms of originality, Becky struggles to find its footing. The plot is derivative, drawing heavily from established tropes in the home-invasion genre. The neo-Nazi angle adds a contemporary twist, but it feels more like a gimmick than a meaningful exploration of current social issues.

The film’s release during the COVID-19 pandemic limited its exposure, premiering on video-on-demand and digital platforms instead of a traditional theatrical release. This likely impacted its reception, as it received mixed reviews from critics. However, many praised Wilson’s performance, which is a testament to her talent and the strength of her character.

In conclusion, Becky (2020) is a flawed but occasionally engaging thriller that benefits from Lulu Wilson’s standout performance. While the film struggles with pacing, tone, and originality, it offers moments of genuine excitement and emotional depth.