Film Journal 2023: The Wrath of Becky
Directed by Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote
Loses a bit of the magic of the first absent a scene stealing turn from Kevin James as the central antagonist. Seann William Scott is capable, but we don’t get enough time here, nor enough of a story for him to occupy the stage like his predecessor did. As well, where the first one had a natural arc when it came to the character of Becky, starting off one person and becoming something different in light of the threat and the trauma, in this one the character is written far more singular, catering more to a stylish graphic novel vibe. Full points to the film though for still retaining its focus on trauma and the ways it impacts who we are. That remains inherent in the subtext and it gives this film a necessary weight and sense of intrigue that elevates the slasher premise. And to be fair, that singularity fits the amped up campiness of the sequel just fine, even if it does feel slightly less memorable.
This sequel manages to have some fun with the whole premise by leaning into Becky’s world (her world reclaimed from the invaders), and any time we get one on ones with Becky and any number of the films supporting characters, Lulu Wilson’s all out commitment to the role helps make the films tight run time (under an hour and a half) completely worth it.
The Stories of my Life 