Becky (2020) is a dark, intense thriller that blends action and suspense with an intriguing revenge story. Directed by Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion, this film stands out for its gripping plot, strong performances, and an unexpected protagonist in the form of a young girl, played by Lulu Wilson. With a mix of revenge, survival, and gritty action, Becky is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie also stars Kevin James in a rare dramatic role, showing his versatility as an actor.
Movie Overview
- Title: Becky
- Genre: Thriller, Action, Drama
- Directors: Jonathan Milott, Cary Murnion
- Writers: Nick Morris, Ruckus Skye, Lane Skye
- Release Date: June 5, 2020
- Cast:
- Lulu Wilson as Becky
- Kevin James as Dominick
- Joel McHale as Jeff
- Amanda Brugel as Kayla
- Robert Maillet as Apex
- Domenic Di Rosa as Cop
Plot Summary
Becky follows the story of a rebellious teenage girl named Becky (Lulu Wilson), who is dealing with the emotional aftermath of her mother’s death and her strained relationship with her father, Jeff (Joel McHale). They head to a secluded lake house for the weekend in an attempt to reconnect. However, their getaway is disrupted when a group of violent criminals led by Dominick (Kevin James) takes over the house.
Dominick and his crew, including the imposing Apex (Robert Maillet), are on the run from the law and are searching for a hidden key that they believe is in the house. As the criminals terrorize the family and demand information about the key, Becky, driven by grief, anger, and the need to protect her father, decides to fight back. Despite her age and size, she proves to be a fierce and resourceful adversary, setting up a series of traps and using her wits to take down the criminals one by one.
As the violence escalates, the tension builds to a thrilling climax, with Becky using her courage and survival instincts to survive the ordeal and take control of the situation. The film showcases a young girl’s transformation into a ruthless and capable force of revenge, a stark contrast to the usually male-dominated action thriller genre.
Themes Explored
- Survival and Revenge: At its core, Becky is a survival story. As the stakes rise, Becky’s transformation from a grieving, vulnerable teen into a resourceful and determined fighter becomes the central focus. Her thirst for revenge against those who threaten her family pushes her to unimaginable lengths.
- The Power of Resilience: The film portrays Becky as a symbol of resilience. Despite the overwhelming danger and the loss she has experienced, she proves that strength comes not from physical power alone, but from mental toughness and sheer willpower.
- Father-Daughter Relationship: The relationship between Becky and her father, Jeff, is one of the emotional drivers of the plot. Although their bond is strained at the beginning of the film, their shared trauma and the extreme circumstances help them reconnect. Jeff’s role as a protector contrasts with Becky’s transformation into an unlikely protector.
- Dark Humor and Violence: The film balances intense violence with dark humor, a characteristic that sets it apart from other thrillers. The tension is heightened by the juxtaposition of brutal action and moments of sarcastic humor, especially from the antagonists.
- Loss and Trauma: Becky’s emotional journey is heavily influenced by the loss of her mother. This trauma becomes a key element in her drive for revenge, showing how grief can manifest into an overwhelming need for control and justice.
Why Watch Becky?
- Lulu Wilson’s Powerful Performance: Lulu Wilson delivers a standout performance as Becky, showing great depth as she evolves from a vulnerable teen to a fearless fighter. Her portrayal is both emotionally engaging and physically impressive, making her the perfect lead for this intense thriller.
- Kevin James in a Dramatic Role: Known for his comedic roles, Kevin James surprises audiences with his portrayal of Dominick, the villainous leader of the criminal gang. James effectively sheds his comedic image, bringing a chilling, menacing presence to the role.
- Gripping Action and Suspense: The film is fast-paced, with plenty of tension-filled moments. The suspense is built gradually, culminating in a series of intense action sequences where Becky uses her surroundings to outsmart and outmaneuver the criminals.
- A Unique Take on the Thriller Genre: Becky subverts typical action and revenge tropes by casting a young girl as the hero. This shift provides a fresh perspective, making the film feel both innovative and empowering for female characters.
- Thrilling Plot with Dark Humor: The blend of violence and humor keeps the film engaging and unpredictable. The action scenes are brutal, yet there are moments of levity that prevent the film from becoming too heavy-handed, making it more enjoyable for a wide audience.
Criticisms of Becky
- Violence May Be Too Intense for Some: The film’s violent scenes are graphic and intense, which may be off-putting for some viewers. While it serves the narrative, the level of brutality can feel excessive at times, especially given the age of the protagonist.
- One-Dimensional Villains: While Kevin James’ performance as the villain is compelling, the character of Dominick and his gang are somewhat one-dimensional. The film focuses more on the action and revenge rather than deep character development for the antagonists.
- Predictable Plot: The general structure of the film follows familiar revenge thriller tropes, which can make the plot somewhat predictable for viewers accustomed to this genre. While the protagonist’s age offers a fresh twist, the film’s overall trajectory isn’t particularly surprising.
- Limited Emotional Depth: While the relationship between Becky and her father is central to the film, it is not explored in as much depth as it could have been. More emotional development in this area might have added further complexity to the story.
How to Watch Becky (2020)
- Streaming Platforms
Becky is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Apple TV. Check the availability in your region to watch the film in HD quality. - Digital Rental or Purchase
You can rent or purchase Becky digitally on various platforms like Amazon, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and iTunes. - Avoid Piracy
To support the filmmakers and enjoy the best quality, it’s recommended to watch Becky through authorized streaming services or digital purchase. Piracy harms the industry and reduces the quality of future film productions.
Conclusion
Becky (2020) is a gritty, high-stakes thriller that delivers a refreshing twist on the revenge genre with an unlikely hero. Lulu Wilson’s captivating performance, coupled with Kevin James’ menacing turn as the villain, makes for an intense viewing experience. While the film may be too violent for some and its plot somewhat predictable, its unique perspective on resilience and revenge keeps it engaging throughout. For fans of action thrillers, Becky provides plenty of excitement and emotional depth, making it an enjoyable, if at times brutal, ride.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with strong performances and a touch of dark humor, Becky will satisfy your craving for suspense and action.
Disclaimer
This article encourages viewers to watch Becky through legitimate streaming platforms. Piracy is illegal and impacts the film industry. Always choose authorized methods to enjoy your favorite movies.
