Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a direct follow-up to the 2019 horror film that captured the attention of audiences with its unique blend of suspense and dark humor. The sequel, which was able to generate $57 million worldwide on a budget of just $6 million, quickly brings Grace (Samara Weaving) back into the fray. Just as she is trying to finish her cigarette after the chaotic events of her wedding night, she is thrust back into a deadly game of hide and seek. The aftermath of her actions leaves the Le Domas family estate in ruins, with ambulances arriving as the chaos unfolds.
Grace is taken to the hospital, stripped down, and treated, all so she can return to the shredded remains of her wedding dress for another round of terror. The film doesn’t waste time on emotional recovery, instead focusing on the immediate threat of the satanic elite who have been left without leadership. This power vacuum is filled by more deadly games, continuing the cycle of violence that defined the original.
While the premise may not be groundbreaking, it still manages to deliver a compelling narrative. Horror films often rely on familiar tropes, but the sequel benefits from a stellar cast that includes Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kathryn Newton, Elijah Wood, Shawn Hatosy, and even David Cronenberg, who makes an unexpected appearance.
Grace’s estranged sister, Faith (Newton), becomes an important ally in this new chapter. The writers, Guy Busick and R Christopher Murphy, attempt to explore themes of familial loyalty and the question of whether blood truly is thicker than water. Throughout the film, Grace and Faith spend much of their time bickering over who abandoned whom, adding depth to their relationship.
Meanwhile, Ursula (Gellar) and Titus Danforth (Hatosy) are tasked by their father (Cronenberg) to kill Grace and claim the High Seat, which would grant them control over the elite. However, the rules of the game remain unclear, leaving the audience wondering who will ultimately wear the crown.
Gellar shines in her role, embodying the venomous character of Kathryn Merteuil from Cruel Intentions. Wood also delivers a memorable performance as a lawyer who must explain the game’s rules to Grace. The film introduces a variety of new characters, including the sniper-trained Ignacio El Caido (Néstor Carbonell), tycoon Wan Chen Xing (Olivia Cheng), and party boy Viraj Rajan (Nadeem Umar-Khitab).
The film is filled with subclauses and explanations, making it clear that every scene involving Grace and Faith ends in bloodshed. While the sequel is heavily influenced by the iconic imagery of the first film, it also attempts to push the boundaries of the genre. Unlike the original, which was early to the “eat the rich” trend, this sequel focuses more on survival than vengeance.
Weaving’s performance is intense, with her character grunting and roaring like a wounded creature fighting to survive. Despite the increasingly absurd situations, the film maintains a sense of humor, particularly in scenes involving mutual pepper spraying.
At the center of it all is Grace, whose demented determination echoes the spirit of Sally Hardesty from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. While the game is the same, the audience finds themselves rooting for the same winner.
Directed by Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, the film stars Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood. It is rated 15 and runs for 108 minutes.
‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ is set to be released in cinemas on 20 March.
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