In 2019, “Ready or Not” captivated audiences with its distinctive blend of humor and graphic elements. Now, seven years later, its sequel “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” returns with even more to offer, bringing more characters and building upon the original’s engaging story.
After surviving the brutal game of “hide and seek” with her new in-laws on her wedding night, Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) is still not out of the woods. The film begins when the previous one ended: Grace sits, bloodied, outside the burning Le Domas Mansion. Police and paramedics quickly arrive and take her to the hospital. There, Grace’s estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton), her emergency contact, joins her. Grace recounts the prior night’s events to Faith, believing she is now safe.
It turns out that she is not. Grace’s victory in the “hide and seek” game and the death of the Le Domas family, placed her as the target of a new game. The players include “The Council”, a group of the world’s wealthiest and most influential families, who make human sacrifices and worship a man called Le Bail (the devil himself).
Grace and Faith are abducted and brought to a country club, where the hunt is set to begin. They are welcomed by Le Bail’s representative, The Lawyer (Elijah Wood), who informs Grace that she must play another round of “hide and seek.” The four remaining families —the Danforths, the Wans, the Rajans and the El Caidos —will compete to kill her before sunrise. Whoever succeeds will claim the High Seat and gain authority over the world.
Families are required to kill Grace according to strict rules: the head of each family plays first, and if they fail, the next member takes their turn. Players cannot harm those from other families. Although Grace resists, she must join when she discovers Faith is also targeted and needs her protection.
The Danforth family owns the country club, and twins Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Titus (Shawn Hatosy) are both competing for the High Seat since they are both the heads of their house. Knowing the lands well, they have an advantage and even get a head start when the game begins, and everyone goes after Grace and Faith who are now handcuffed together.
Grace and Faith escape danger from rival families, taking refuge in a hotel laundry room. After freeing themselves from handcuffs and killing a Rajan, they call 9-1-1. Ursula Danforth, posing as the operator, lures them to a gate for a trap. However, the sisters anticipate this. Faith knocks Titus out, and Grace fights Ursula. Faith rescues Grace, and they escape to safety.
As the chaos of the game intensifies, tensions rise between Grace and Faith. After a heated argument, the sisters decide part ways – each determined to survive on her own terms. Their separation, however, puts them in even greater danger.
While alone, Faith is suddenly ambushed by Titus, one of the Danforth twins, who takes advantage of the split to attack her. Simultaneously, Grace finds herself in a fierce confrontation with Francesca (Maia Jae), the player representing the El Caido family. The violent clashes unfold as “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler echoes throughout the setting, heightening the suspense and chaos of the moment.
Titus uses the intercom to taunt Grace, forcing her into the main lounge where Faith is held. The families surround her, but Grace invokes Chen Xing’s (Olivia Cheng), player for the Wans, previously mentioned legal loophole and agrees to marry Titus, ensuring the safety of both her and Faith, transferring the High Seat to the Danforths and ending the game.
At an underground altar, a reluctant marriage takes place before a crowd of cultists and family members. After signing blood pacts, Grace stabs Titus with a fountain pen and kicks him into an open circular pit full of decomposed bodies, killing him. Grace, now holding the High Seat, renounces her position and throws the ring into the pit. As the remaining families compete for the ring at dawn, none succeed, and the Council—except for the Lawyer – is destroyed in a violent blood explosion.
The sisters depart from the premises together, with Grace assuring Faith that she will never leave her side again.
The movie’s theme of survival and sacrifice, along with family dynamics, is seen throughout. Grace, the sole survivor of the previous deadly game, must survive another one. She also must sacrifice herself for the safety of her sister Faith. The film delves into complex family relationships, particularly the dynamics between Grace and Faith. Their estrangement and the necessity of working together to survive highlight themes of loyalty, trust and the challenges of familial bonds under pressure.
This achievement is attributable to the accomplished directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, whose collaborative work includes the original “Ready or Not” as well as other dark comedy films such as “Abigail” and “Scream VI”.
“Ready or Not 2” delivers a thrilling and unpredictable experience, blending high-stakes action with sharp comedic moments. The film is filled with chaotic energy, offering audiences a rollercoaster ride of suspense, humor and intense violence. With its clever mix of laughs and gore, it stands out as an excellent choice for fans of dark thrillers who appreciate both excitement and witty entertainment.