THE WRATH OF BECKY: A Girl And Her Dog

Years after the original, The Wrath of Becky follows now 16-year-old Becky (Lulu Wilson), who has been moving from foster home to foster home. After the loss of her father, dog, and a vengeful array of adolescent aggression, Becky is finally somewhere she is happy to be. With Elena (Denise Burse) and her dog Diego, she has found a semblance of peace, but, it’s short-lived.

When she has a confrontation with three “Noble Men” at the diner she works at and doesn’t hold back from speaking her mind, they decide to pay her a visit. It culminates in another gruesome death and loss for Becky as well as the kidnapping and injury of her beloved pooch.

Bad idea. As a lover of animals and someone who especially has a hard time with violence of our innocent pets in movies I’m happy to just tell you now, Diego will be okay. The Wrath of Becky is a wicked follow-up that takes our antihero on another quest of vengeance (and a rescue) for a no holds barred, thrill ride.

Magnetic Interactions

Becky seems to be a magnet for interactions like this, and each time she is taken with little seriousness before she makes her assailants pay. There’s something enthralling about a young, female lead that doesn’t falter. Even if it extends into disbelief a lot, the wink of campy exuberance holds.

The sequel is directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote and written by Matt Angel (who also stars) and there’s a consistency in the storytelling despite the change of creatives. In many ways the second is a mirror of the first film, but with more violence and assuredness from our lead. After all, she’s taken out some white supremacists before. What’s another few?

This time around, another actor known for his comedic chops, Seann William Scott is Darryl Jr. playing the head of the crew. His posse is made up of Michael Sirow, Matt Angel, and Aaron Dalla Villa. Despite their small-town presence, they’re planning for something much bigger. Of course, they never could have predicted Becky. 

There isn’t a key in question in the sequel, but instead, a flash drive containing some pertinent information. From the moment it slips into her possession, we know she won’t lose it, but it’s still enticing to see just how she keeps it.

Warth with a Voice

The Wrath of Becky knows its voice and racks up the kills while bringing plenty of cheeky comedy to the forefront. In ways, the second embraces this even more than the first, Lulu Wilson is confident in the character, and Becky has become quite the formidable force.

Somehow charming and yet rampant with unique slayings, the film is delightfully over the top, which paves the way for a catharsis of mayhem.

At an hour and 23 minutes, the movie moves fast with little plot to fill in the frames consumed by the blood-tinged edges. Within the simplicity lies the engaging nature of Becky and her pursuits. The entertainment factor is still high with some upgraded weaponry and even less hesitation from our star, even if the cinematography and editing leave something to be desired.

I can find plenty to unravel, but the truth is, I always had fun. The pacing is a little uneven and the film never rises to the same level of “stakes” as the first does, but it doesn’t shirk on the fiery lead portrayal or the violent displays. The gratuitous death count you expect, so at some point the film turns into “how” not “when.” This furious teen is out to spread destruction on the worst of society, and films have been built on far less.

It doesn’t shy away from the trauma our teen has faced while giving every opportunity for the sarcastic badass to shine. Lulu Wilson is still the highlight, channeling her character’s ferocity with intelligence to boot. Seann William Scott is a worthy foe, who has more charisma than the predecessor baddie (Kevin James) and he becomes equally despicable.

Conclusion

While the first film may fit more comfortably in its bloody lane, once Wrath finds a rhythm there’s not much that can stop the momentum. The ending is left open for more of Becky’s retribution. A teenage John Wick in training, I’ll be here for it.  While I’m not entirely loving the direction the last scenes go in, I am still intrigued to see. And the mystery of the key from the first lives on.

Not without its missteps, The Wrath of Becky still aims and hits the mark for a playful but brutal good time. 

Have you seen The Wrath of Becky? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

The Wrath of Becky hits theaters on May 26, 2023 in the US. 

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