Fun movies shouldn’t be this gory, and gore movies shouldn’t be this funny, but with The Wrath of Becky, directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote manage to amplify both qualities for a movie experience that’s quintessential late-night fare.

Following on the heels of 2020’s Becky, Lulu Wilson reprises her lead role and heads keep rolling. The film starts with a very campy vibe before the animated credits set the stage for what follows. Becky, orphaned in the first film by Neo-Nazis who she rapidly and gleefully dispatched, appears to have found a home, living with a kind, elderly stranger while working at a diner straight out of the Eisenhower years.

Things won’t stay placid for long as she soon encounters a group of right-wing shitheads during a shift. They’re on their way to cause trouble at a political rally when paths cross. Anthony (Michael Sirow) is the tough guy, while his buddy Sean (Angel) seems out of place. The wildcard is DJ (Aaron Dalla Villa), equal parts goofy and vicious.

Their attempt to teach Becky a lesson backfires and sets her on a course for revenge. The three perps meet up with two more patriots, and things escalate quickly from there. Seann William Scott plays Darryl, the ostensible leader of what looks to be an insurrectionist group, and his easy charm translates well into a threatening demeanor with a side of smirk. Courtney Gains might be best known for his role at Malachai in the original Children of the Corn, but here he’s Twig, a misogynist from the sticks and Darryl’s right-hand man.

Each and every one of these bullies gets a more memorable death than the last, one of the many nods to films like Kill Bill. A perfect encapsulation of the genius of The Wrath of Becky is when a “death by bear trap” is telegraphed far in advance but still manages to both shock and awe the audience. It’s a thing of hideous beauty.

Watching Wilson go about her business with deadly sass is a pleasure, and the movie does a great job of setting up the strong possibility of sequels. With plenty of humor and event more thrills, The Wrath of Becky is literally a bloody good time.

The Wrath of Becky

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This article appears in March 10 • 2023.

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