Midnight movie Becky unleashed upon pandemic-era audiences with a fervour and spirit that could not be contained. Spawning a huge VOD following and even showings at drive-in movie theatres over the summer, this gory tale quickly became a fan-favourite.

Written by Halifax resident Nick Morris, young Lulu Wilson gave a captivating performance as a teenager who has to fight back against a group of convicts who are ransacking her father’s lake house looking for a sinister treasure. In a horrific, Home Alone-style set-up, the men quickly fall victim to her increasingly-sinister traps all around the property.

In many ways, sequel The Wrath Of Becky improves greatly upon its low-budget original. It’s smarter and brings the story to new places, while also replacing the original’s cast with upgrades. Gone is King of Queens’ Kevin James as a villainous Nazi, and in is American Pie alum Seann William Scott as an incel. The latter is a far better actor than James, and his commitment to the part elevates the proceedings.

Becky is trying to move on from the death of her father (Joel McHale) in the original, and works as a waitress living in a small town. But when a terrorist cell comes to town for a violent rally, Becky is preyed upon by three men who rock her life to its core and steal her dog. She unleashes her fury upon the group, and gets her revenge.

Lulu Wilson returns in the role of Becky, and is markedly better this go around. With better dialogue and a whip-smart demeanour, she’s endlessly entertaining. Where Kevin James mostly brooded, Seann William Scott – an actor who’s best when he gets out of his comfort zone – is genuinely convincing. He’s scary and makes the best of this role as the leader of a woman-hating group.

Directors Matt Angel & Suzanne Coote direct with gleeful delight. One does wish Morris was back writing, but he sticks around to Executive Produce here.

Wrath Of Becky may not be as inventive in its kills, but it furthers the B-movie sensibilities of the original while staying true to the tone. It’s an enjoyable film for horror hounds, and Seann William Scott’s departure from crass comedy is enough to make it worth a recommendation.

3.5/5 Stars