The sequel many didn’t question for, “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” arrives in theaters this week, attempting to recapture the darkly comedic magic of its 2019 predecessor. While the original “Ready or Not” was a surprise hit, lauded for its inventive premise and Samara Weaving’s captivating performance, the follow-up struggles to justify its existence, relying on increasingly outlandish scenarios and a diluted sense of satire. The film, directed once again by the Tiernan brothers, attempts to expand the universe established in the first installment, but largely falls flat, sacrificing the tight, suspenseful storytelling for bombastic, and ultimately exhausting, action sequences.
The core of the issue isn’t with the returning cast, particularly Weaving, who continues to embody the resilient and resourceful Grace. However, the narrative feels stretched thin, introducing a convoluted plot involving a network of wealthy, Satan-worshipping families that diminishes the impact of the original’s focused, claustrophobic horror. The film’s attempts at social commentary, hinted at with a fleeting reference to capitalism, feel underdeveloped and ultimately serve as mere window dressing for the escalating mayhem. The question becomes whether a compelling performance and initial premise can overcome a narrative that feels increasingly contrived and reliant on shock value.
Expanding the “Ready or Not” Universe: A Case of Diminishing Returns
Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, “Here I Come” finds Grace (Samara Weaving) still clad in her bloodied wedding dress, recovering in a hospital while facing legal scrutiny for the deaths of her new husband’s family. The arrival of her estranged sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton), sets in motion a new chain of events, revealing that the Le Domas family was merely a small cog in a much larger, more sinister machine. This larger network, comprised of ultra-wealthy families engaging in ritualistic sacrifices, aims to identify a champion who will ascend to a position of ultimate power. The premise, while intriguing on paper, quickly devolves into a series of increasingly improbable and visually chaotic set pieces.
The film introduces new players, including siblings played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shawn Hatosy, who are also vying for the coveted position within the satanic hierarchy. However, these characters lack the depth and menace of the Le Domas family from the original, feeling more like caricatures than genuine threats. The dynamic between Gellar and Hatosy, while providing some moments of darkly comedic tension, ultimately feels underdeveloped and distracts from Grace and Faith’s central storyline. The film’s attempt to build a broader “Ready or Not”-iverse feels forced, lacking the organic world-building that made the first film so effective.
Action Over Substance: A Descent into Gore
One of the most significant criticisms leveled against “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is its overreliance on gratuitous violence. While the first film utilized gore effectively to underscore the dark humor and suspense, the sequel feels desensitized, presenting a relentless barrage of exploding bodies and over-the-top action sequences. The initial shock value wears off quickly, leaving the viewer feeling numb rather than entertained. The film’s frantic pace and chaotic editing further contribute to this sense of exhaustion, making it difficult to connect with the characters or invest in the unfolding plot.
Comparisons to the “John Wick” franchise are inevitable, but ultimately unfavorable. While both franchises feature stylized action and a focus on relentless protagonists, “John Wick” distinguishes itself through its meticulously choreographed fight sequences and compelling world-building. “Here I Come,” in contrast, feels haphazard and lacking in finesse. The action, while energetic, lacks the precision and impact of its more successful counterparts. The dialogue, often peppered with excessive cursing, feels contrived and detracts from the film’s overall quality. The screenplay, as some critics have noted, feels as though it was written with a specific demographic in mind, potentially alienating a broader audience.
Weaving’s Performance: A Bright Spot in a Dim Landscape
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Samara Weaving delivers a commendable performance as Grace. She continues to embody the character’s resilience, resourcefulness, and sardonic wit, managing to inject some much-needed energy into the proceedings. Kathryn Newton, as Faith, also provides a solid performance, although her character feels somewhat underdeveloped. The dynamic between the two sisters, exploring their strained past and evolving relationship, offers a glimmer of emotional depth amidst the chaos. However, even their combined efforts are not enough to salvage the film’s flawed narrative.
The supporting cast, including Gellar and Hatosy, struggle to make a lasting impression, hampered by thinly written characters and a lack of screen time. The various antagonists, tasked with hunting down Grace and Faith, are largely forgettable, lacking the menacing presence of the Le Domas family from the original. The film’s attempts at humor often fall flat, relying on tired tropes and predictable gags. The overall effect is a disjointed and unsatisfying experience that fails to live up to the promise of the first film.
A Disappointing Sequel
“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is a prime example of a sequel that should have remained unmade. While Samara Weaving’s performance is a saving grace, the film’s convoluted plot, excessive violence, and lack of genuine suspense ultimately undermine its potential. The attempt to expand the “Ready or Not” universe feels forced and ultimately diminishes the impact of the original’s focused, claustrophobic horror. The film’s satirical elements, while present, lack the bite and nuance of the first installment. “Here I Come” feels like a missed opportunity, squandering the goodwill built up by its predecessor.
The film opened in theaters on March 15, 2024, and is currently playing in wide release. ABC30 Fresno recently published a behind-the-scenes gaze at the film, featuring interviews with Samara Weaving and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
As of March 17, 2026, box office projections for “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” remain modest, indicating a lukewarm reception from audiences. The film’s performance will likely determine whether a third installment is even considered. The next update on the film’s financial performance is expected next week, following the conclusion of the opening weekend box office numbers.
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