Cast: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, David Cronenberg, Elijah Wood, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, Varun Saranga, Daniel Beirne
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller
Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
In Irish Cinemas: Now
When Samara Weaving’s battle-worn bride finally caught her breath at the end of Ready or Not, cigarette in hand and carnage behind her, it felt like the arrival of a new horror icon. The film’s gleefully twisted concept — a wedding night turned into a ritualistic hunt — blended satire and splatter with such confidence that it quickly earned its place among modern genre standouts.
Fast-forward, and the filmmaking duo behind it — Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence — return to that bloodstained playground with Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come. This time, the scope widens, the mythology deepens, and the stakes escalate in a way that nods toward action franchises like John Wick. The trade-off, however, is a sense of déjà vu that lingers over much of the sequel.
The story once again throws Grace into a lethal game, now alongside her sister Faith, played by Kathryn Newton. Opposing them is a fresh crop of grotesquely privileged antagonists — a mix of vengeful ex-lovers and gleefully unhinged elites — who inject the film with energy whenever they’re scheming or, better yet, turning on each other. Their petty rivalries and venomous quips give the script its sharpest edge, helping the film carve out moments that feel distinct from its predecessor.
Among the newcomers, Elijah Wood stands out as a dry, quietly amused legal figure tasked with enforcing the deadly rules. His performance adds a sly comedic undercurrent, stealing scenes without ever raising his voice. Newton brings warmth and likability, and her chemistry with Weaving is easy and natural, though her character often feels more like narrative support than a fully realised player. Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar makes a brief impression, but the film never quite capitalises on her presence.
Where the original built toward an outrageous, unforgettable finale, this follow-up takes a more conventional route, lacking that same explosive payoff. Still, it finds its stride in individual set pieces — most notably a chaotic ballroom showdown set to the soaring melodrama of Bonnie Tyler. It’s a gloriously absurd sequence, equal parts brutality and dark comedy, and a reminder of how effective this series can be when it fully embraces its own madness.
While the sequel leans heavily on familiar beats, it remains an entertaining ride. Watching Weaving’s relentless final girl push further into blood-soaked territory is reason enough to stay invested. It may not recapture the shock of the original, but it still delivers plenty of vicious, tongue-in-cheek fun along the way.
Overall: 7/10
Movie Reviewer
