This review was made possible by Popped attending an advanced screening of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
The directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively also known as Radio Silence, delivered a surprise hit with Ready or Not in 2019, which has since become something of a modern classic. Seven years later, the comedy-horror returns with its sequel, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Alongside them, Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy return as writers.
The sequel is even crazier, bloodier, gorier, and almost as good as the original. It leans further into chaos, with standout moments of body horror that push the film’s shocking intensity.
Picking Up the Pieces From ‘Ready or Not’
The sequel begins right where the first film ends; the story explores the aftermath of Grace MacCaullay’s (Samara Weaving) survival. Grace is taken to the hospital and believes she has finally escaped the satanic cult her husband’s family dragged her into. However, her victory in the original hide-and-seek game unknowingly triggers a follow-up game, but this time with members of the wider demonic cult the MacCaullay family were involved in. They are all forced to compete for power, fighting for the vacant seat left open by Grace’s survival of the first game. Grace’s odds are made even more complicated by the return of her estranged, rebellious younger sister (Kathryn Newton), who becomes entangled in the deadly game.
A Bigger, Bloodier Ensemble
While the original film held a strong cast, having a stacked cast, the sequel builds on this with a fun and diverse set of characters – from a stoic child to a pair of unhinged, parent-killing twins. These personalities mesh to create a chaotic and positively nonsensical environment that is incredibly comedic.
The film also iconically introduces “scream queens” Sarah Michelle Gellar (best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Kathryn Newton, adding even more strong female presence. Elijah Wood delivers a quiet, commanding supporting performance as “The Lawyer,” who is tasked with ensuring the game remains fair and within the rules.
Shawn Hatosy, whose career has recently seen a resurgence with The Pitt, plays Michelle Gellar’s twin. Together, they portray two sociopathic siblings willing to do anything to claim power.
Sisterhood in the Crossfire
Despite the impressive supporting cast, Samara Weaving remains front and centre, with Kathryn Newton as a compelling co-lead. Weaving once again delivers a fierce and powerful horror lead performance. The dynamic between the two sisters is one of the film’s strongest additions. With natural chemistry, the two sisters butt heads and bicker throughout the entire duration, yet still hold space for moments of sincerity and vulnerability. Kathryn and Samara bounce off each other well as two sisters who cannot stand each other but are forced to work together.
While the foundation of the first film offers a far more sophisticated narrative, with a more interesting and contained setting, this film ambitiously expands the lore. With broader world-building and a narrative that leans further into its social satire, blending it with horror, even if there are some aspects that feel a little too out of left field.
‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ – Final Thoughts
Overall, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a thrilling and entertaining horror ride. Seven years may have been a long wait, but Radio Silence make it worthwhile.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is now out in theaters. Check out the trailer below:
For more Film and TV Reviews, you can check out our other Popped Reviews here. Fancy reading something else? Why not check out: ‘Invincible’ Season 4 Review: A Prosperous Yet Perilous Return
The Review
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a thrilling and entertaining horror ride. Seven years may have been a long wait, but Radio Silence makes it worthwhile.