Arriving seven years after the original Ready Or Not (2019), this sequel is set on the night after the original film’s events. After a very, very long night of mayhem and trying to survive the wrath of four rival families battling it out to attack her, Grace is back at it again but not out of choice. Whilst the first film focused on brothers, this film centres on sisters. Comparing the story from the first film, both the plot and script here is better. The stakes are much higher now. Grace must fight to survive yet again whilst also ensuring her younger sister stays alive. But they must also attempt to claim her ‘High Seat of the Council’ which controls the world against four rival families.
Directed by the Scream (2022), Scream VI (2023), and Abigail (2024) filmmaking powerhouse duo, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet – they add another film to their growing horror portfolio. The casting here is great too. Kathryn Newton plays Faith MacCullay. She’s the unformidable, goofy, and loveable younger sister of the first film’s ‘final girl’ in Samara Weaving’s Grace Le Domas. The main protagonist, Grace is courageous, brave, and a great addition to the horror genre’s list of final girls.
But on the discussion of horror icons, Sarah Michelle Gellar stars in this sequel as the slightly evil yet slightly caring, Ursula Danforth – the twin of Shawn Hatosy’s manipulative Titus Danforth. Their power struggle is another great aspect to this story. This hooks us into their motivations, particularly in Ursula’s character arc.
Blood-Soaked Sequel
Premiering at SXSW 2026, Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (2026) is a rather weird sequel because the first film felt so conclusive. The first film asked us, ‘was a sequel completely necessary?’ The poster depicted Samara Weaving in a blood-soaked lace wedding dress which has since become an iconic symbol in horror. She returns with the same fashion here and of course, with her Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars trainers too. The first film was super successful. The film garnered $57 million at the worldwide box office on just a budget of $6 million. But arguably this sequel had more appeal and more heart.
Although, it seems somewhat better than its predecessor, the film still leaves you wanting more. There’s much more blood in Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (2026) than the first film, but the story feels like it’s missing some depth. The best aspect is the sisterly bond between (with their ironic names) Faith and Grace. They are the glue that hold this film together. Yet the message is also great – mocking the rich and elite. However, ultimately, it’s the absurd nature of characters exploding as part of the game that unfortunately defies reality.
Another weird scene comes between Faith and the evil Titus Danforth (Shawn Hatosy) which sees him attempt to violently kill her. But it’s basically torture in a very long sequence interspersed with Grace trying to survive a killer on the dance floor. This returns to the message that both sisters fight until the end to become reunited again. But it’s not too subtle in its approach. But a death involving an industrial washing machine is simply the best.
More Blood & Less Seriousness
Both the setting and set design is much more enticing in this sequel than Ready Or Not (2019). From exploring the expansive grounds of the mansion to a rather long sequence on the dance floor. There’s also a ritual scene which shows the hardworking special effects team. As well as the costume designers who have clearly been put through their paces in this blood-soaked sequel. The elaborate lair ritual scene is also not to be missed.
A horror and comedy mix means some of their deaths are more serious whilst others are more comical. Some death scenes seem to be reminiscent of Final Destination (2000) but with much more blood… and less seriousness. Although, at times it feels like Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (2026) could have stuck with one genre. Either choosing between horror or comedy and not both. With the comedy aspect, Madhu Rajan (Varun Saranga) brilliantly somehow makes his way through the family’s game. He acts as the goofball, comical breakaway from the more serious moments.
Horror Legends
Famous faces fill the supporting cast of Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come (2026). Horror genre legend, David Cronenberg plays head of the family, Chester Danforth. Along with Abigail (2024) star Kevin Durand as Bill Wilkinson and Bates Motel (2013-2017) star, Néstor Carbonell as Ignacio El Caido. But perhaps the best reunion is the iconic stars of The Faculty (1998). Eilijah Woods and Shawn Hatosy coming back together for this film which is perfect trivia for horror fans.
Although the sequel is an improvement from the original, there’s still something missing from this film. There’s so much potential with a character like Grace. Dressed in her iconic blood-soaked wedding dress as she uses her resourcefulness among weapon choice and outwits the money hungry and power greedy family members. But had the filmmakers chosen between a more serious approach or comedy elements to the horror aspects, there could have been a much stronger and smarter story.
Rating: 3 Stars
You can read more horror movie reviews like this, including our analysis on Nosferatu (2024) here.
