Blood, sweat and power. Mabel Roy reviews Ready or Not 2, a worthy follow-up that sees Samara Weaving up against fanatic elites once again.
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come picks up where its predecessor left off with the blood soaked and wounded newlywed Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) lighting a cigarette outside the Le Domas’ mansion. Following a deadly showdown, her husband and in-laws met their explosive demise. Unfortunately, fate has other places for Grace, who finds herself embroiled in yet another sickening round of hide and seek.
Now, Grace is forced to face further worshippers of Mr. Le Bail, who make up a cult wielding significant control over the world. However, the stakes are higher this time as her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) becomes a pawn in this murderous game. Thus, Grace is dragged back into the nightmare she so desperately wishes would end.
Here I Come successfully expands on the initial premise of 2019’s horror comedy Ready or Not with more weaponry, epic gore, grand sprawling estates and an insane pack of bloodthirsty elites. The sequel is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett and written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher, the quartet responsible for the previous instalment.
Samara Weaving gives a stellar performance that cements her prowess as a queen of horror. Her timing, line delivery and blood curdling screams keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting more. She is supported by Kathryn Newton, with whom she explores complicated sibling dynamics in the film. The pair’s attempts to resolve past struggles weave through the story as they both struggle to stay alive as ultra-rich lunatics hunt them. Displays of emotional bonding and connection provide momentary calm from the chaos wreaked by the wretched game the duo have been forced to play.
The film features a supporting cast that includes scream queen Sarah Michelle Gellar as Ursula Danforth and Shawn Hatosy as her brother Titus; both members of a devil revering family. Auteur and body horror veteran David Cronenberg makes a cameo as patriarch Chester Danforth. All give convincing turns as evil, power hungry gazillionaires. We also get an excellent Elijah Wood as a lawyer working to ensure Mr. Le Bail’s wishes are fulfilled and the equilibrium of their lucrative ecosystem is maintained.
The sequel proves an entertaining romp. Instances of dark humour temper the sheer absurdity of the greedy ruling class remorselessly pursuing their selfish interests. The film maintains a steady pace of action and anticipation, backed by a strong score and compelling performances. Ready or Not 2 is in cinemas from March 20th. Watch to find out if Grace and Faith withstand the 2.0 version of bloody hide and seek or if they succumb to the dark side to stay alive.