Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Much-improved but still ultra-violent teen revenge sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Wrath of Becky
What's the Story?
In THE WRATH OF BECKY, Becky (Lulu Wilson) and her dog, Diego, have been living off the grid since the events of Becky, and she's found a measure of peace as the housemate of Elena (Denise Burse). While working in a diner, Becky encounters three men -- Anthony (Michael Sirow), DJ (Aaron Dalla Villa), and Sean (Matt Angel) -- who are members of a radical organization of White supremacists called the Noble Men. When they hassle her, Becky dumps coffee on one man's lap. They retaliate by shooting Elena and kidnapping Diego. Becky tracks them to their hideout, where the group's leader, Daryl (Seann William Scott), and his right-hand man, Twig (Courtney Gains), are preparing for an important rally, during which they plan to assassinate a local senator. Becky decides that they all need to die instead.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel to the uneven thriller Becky takes a firmer hold of its tone, gleefully embracing gore and dark humor, as well as offering a slightly older and less tragic main character. The Wrath of Becky -- now in the hands of writers and directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote -- is frankly less cruel than the original in which the 13-year-old Becky faced horrors that just seemed like too much. Now Becky is 16 and has become a survivor, a warrior who calls her own shots, which gives viewers more confidence in her.
Plus, the villains are once again despicable White supremacists who sing racist songs and wear shirts with slogans like "My Pronoun Is 'Patriot.'" Becky shrugs and decides that, even though it feels like the world has lost its bearings and there's not much she can do to change it, she can at least do it a little favor. Angel and Coote's dialogue is sharp and funny, and they cook up several surprise situations, running through it all with expert pacing. Both the opening shot -- a goofy lawn sprinkler wiggling to the tune of Carl Orff's "Gassenhauer" -- and the final shot, which involves a rocket launcher, feel flawlessly chosen. The Wrath of Becky may not be very deep, but it comes together with a deeply satisfying snap.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Wrath of Becky's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How are racism and White supremacy depicted? Other than Becky's violent approach, what are some ways of dealing with this kind of attitude/behavior?
How does this sequel compare to the original movie? How are they different? How are they similar?
Do you consider Becky a role model in any way? Why, or why not? Her violent nature notwithstanding, is there anything admirable about her?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 26, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : August 8, 2023
- Cast : Lulu Wilson , Seann William Scott , Denise Burse
- Directors : Matt Angel , Suzanne Coote
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Quiver Distribution
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence and gore, pervasive language and some sexual references
- Last updated : July 13, 2023
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