READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME (DISNEY+) (2026)
SYNOPSIS: Moments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace (Samara Weaving) discovers she’s reached the next level of the nightmarish game — and this time with her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) at her side. Grace has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins rules it all.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Frodo join Samara Weaving in this bloody, madcap fantasy sequel to Ready Or Not. The story picks up immediately after the events of the first film, so for the best viewing experience, you should watch them back to back.
The sequel opens with Grace passing out on the doorstep of the burning mansion owned by her satanic in-laws. She is rushed to the hospital, where she is reunited with her estranged sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton). Just when you think the cultists are gone for good, the remaining elite families arrive, led by the Danforth twins, Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Titus (Shawn Hatosy), who must eliminate Grace in order to restore the current “High Seat” of the Council.
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come is a classic case of overindulgence. While the first film was a lean, chaotic and wickedly funny thriller, the sequel tries to do more but achieves less. Truth be told, it’s essentially a rehash of the original. Only this time, instead of an all-white family, we get a more diverse lineup consisting of Spanish, Chinese and Indian families. For inclusivity’s sake, I guess.
It takes almost 30 minutes to establish the new rules and mythology, largely through the Council’s lawyer (played with gleeful relish by Elijah Wood), the legal representative of Le Bail aka Satan. A considerable amount of screen time is also devoted to the rivalry between Grace and Faith, explaining why they became estranged. A similar sibling conflict plays out between Ursula and Titus, both scheming to control the ring, which grants leadership of the Council to whoever possesses it.
Once again, it’s a survival tale, only this time with fewer inventive kills but far more stomach-churning body explosions. The first film struck a near-perfect balance between gruesome violence and wicked humour. For some strange reason, the two ingredients that made the original so much fun have both been dialled down here.
It’s always a welcome sight to see Sarah Michelle Gellar back kicking ass, while newcomer Kathryn Newton doesn’t necessarily impress but makes for a decent younger sister to Weaving’s Grace. Weaving, of course, continues to cement her status as one of this generation’s premier scream queens, having headlined several popular offbeat horror films throughout her career.
Certainly, Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come pales in comparison to its predecessor. Still, the series continues its mission of portraying the rich and powerful as servants of Satan. It’s a satire that works particularly well in difficult economic times like these. And for those who miss the irony and sarcasm lurking beneath the bloodshed, Ready Or Not 2 remains an entertainingly silly watch.
MOVIE RATING:
Review by Linus Tee
