With the original 2020 “Becky,” we were introduced to the titular psychotic teenager on a rampage. The small scale but giddily violent movie was a great bit of revenge exploitation with Lulu Wilson bringing to life the conniving anti-heroine. With “The Wrath of Becky,” directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote re-introduce us to a new version of Becky. The Becky we meet now has been through a lot, but there are a few things that remain the same with her. One: She is as conniving and cunning as ever. And Two: It’s a good idea not to mess with her dog.
Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family from a group of Neo-Nazis, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But when a group known as the “Noble Men” break into their home, attack them, and take her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones, and rescue Diego from their clutches.
“The Wrath of Becky” leans heavily in to the campy elements of the original film and that’s not particularly a bad thing. The original “Becky” while great, had moments of dark comedy where the director reveled in Becky’s sadism. The pair of new directors amplifies Becky’s habit of manipulation and penchant for inflicting pain, as every move she makes is her way of surviving. Lulu Wilson returns to the role she perfected, portraying Becky as an unhinged young woman who is always one inch away from becoming a blood soaked knife wielding slasher. Hell, you could even argue “The Wrath of Becky” is a twist on the slasher formula.
Wilson helps progress Becky in to a character that is incredibly likable but seeks only self preservation through the very end. Bad luck always seems to knock on her door, and this happens yet again when she runs afoul a group of Neo-Nazis. With her life in shambles once again she’s faced with an even bigger menace in the form of potential domestic terrorists. Continuing the tradition of casting comedic actors as the villains, Sean William Scott is great as the central villain Daryl. As Daryl, he’s an equally unhinged psychopath and white supremacist with an ambiguous history that is prepared for anything. That is until Becky arrives. The pair of directors knows what kind of movie they’re making and they, once again, lean right in to it.
With the high stakes, there are also some great moments of Becky just inflicting horrendous torture on her enemies. There are buckets of blood, dismembered limbs, and a great gag involving bear traps (a la “Straw Dogs”). Some audiences might not like how the movie digs its heels in to the dark camp, but I loved it. Becky is a fascinating anti-heroine, and Lulu Wilson plays her to pitch perfection. If there is a third film, I fully intend to see where Becky’s odyssey ends.
Exclusively in theaters on May 26th.