Samara Weaving Shines in Disappointing ‘Ready or Not 2’ Review

They say every time Samara Weaving belts out her one-of-a-kind scream in a horror film, an angel gets its wings. Or, as would be more accurate for the genre, a devil gets its horns. That was certainly true in “Ready or Not,” the darkly, devilishly fun 2019 horror romp where Weaving played Grace, a working-class woman who marries into a wealthy family desperately maintaining their iron grip on money and power via a deal with the mysterious Mr. Le Bail, who, as it turns out, is the literal embodiment of Satan.

The standout of the original wasn’t just the inventive premise or the gleefully gruesome set pieces, but Weaving herself. She cemented her status as a modern scream queen and a compelling action star, and her scream remains an all-timer. Now, she’s back for more in “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” a sequel that arrives in theaters March 19 via Searchlight Pictures. But does the follow-up live up to the promise of the original, or does it stumble under the weight of its own ambition?

A Familiar Game, Expanded Stakes

“Ready or Not 2” picks up immediately after the explosive ending of the first film, with Grace (Weaving) having survived her nightmarish wedding initiation. The film quickly establishes that surviving isn’t enough. As revealed in the trailer, Grace and her estranged sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton), find themselves thrust into an even more dangerous game, one with the High Seat of the Council – and control of the world – at stake. Whoever kills Grace and Faith will claim the seat, but only if they survive until sunrise. This escalation of stakes, while promising, ultimately feels somewhat hollow, as the film struggles to recapture the original’s tight focus and subversive energy.

The returning directorial duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, along with screenwriters Guy Busick, and R. Christopher Murphy, attempt to build on the mythology established in “Ready or Not.” The original film explained that the Le Domas family’s fortune stemmed from a deal with Mr. Le Bail, a demonic entity who demands a ritual sacrifice from each new family member. Mr. Le Bail, despite appearing for only a few seconds in the first film, looms large over the narrative, representing the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The sequel expands on this lore, introducing new players and factions vying for control, but the added complexity doesn’t necessarily translate to a more compelling story.

Weaving Carries the Weight

Despite the film’s shortcomings, Samara Weaving remains a force to be reckoned with. As in the first film, she delivers a physically demanding and emotionally resonant performance, showcasing both her comedic timing and her ability to portray genuine fear and vulnerability. The film leans heavily on Weaving’s charisma, and she does her best to elevate the material. As Indiewire noted in a 2024 interview, Weaving has a knack for bringing depth and nuance to genre roles, and she’s clearly relishing the opportunity to revisit the character of Grace.

However, even Weaving’s considerable talents can’t fully compensate for the sequel’s lack of originality. The film relies too heavily on repeating the beats of the first film – the frantic chases, the gruesome deaths, the darkly comedic twists – without adding enough new elements to keep things fresh. The addition of new characters, including those played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, and a brief appearance by David Cronenberg, feels more like stunt casting than meaningful additions to the story. While Cronenberg’s presence is a welcome surprise, his role is ultimately limited.

Lost in the Resort

One of the most significant issues with “Ready or Not 2” is its setting. The first film’s claustrophobic mansion created a sense of mounting dread and isolation. The sequel, however, unfolds primarily within a sprawling resort, which feels less menacing and more generic. The resort’s vastness dilutes the tension and makes it harder to feel invested in Grace and Faith’s struggle for survival. The film attempts to utilize the resort’s various amenities – a golf course, a spa, a casino – for comedic effect, but these moments often fall flat.

The cinematography also suffers from the change in setting. The first film’s stylish visuals and dynamic camerawork helped to create a sense of unease and disorientation. The sequel’s cinematography, by contrast, feels flat and uninspired, lacking the visual flair that made the original so memorable. The action sequences, while competently staged, are also less impactful, lacking the visceral energy of the first film’s set pieces.

A Late-Game Twist, But Is It Enough?

The film does attempt a late-game twist, with Grace making a surprising choice that complicates the entire premise. This moment, while intriguing, feels somewhat out of character and doesn’t fully land. It’s a valiant effort to subvert expectations, but it comes too late to salvage the film’s overall trajectory. The ending, which mirrors the explosive finale of the first film, feels anticlimactic and uninspired.

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is a disappointing sequel that fails to live up to the promise of its predecessor. While Samara Weaving delivers a strong performance, she’s ultimately let down by a script that lacks originality and a direction that feels uninspired. The film is not without its moments of darkly comedic fun, but these moments are too few and far between to make it a truly satisfying experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best thing to do is to depart a solid thing alone.

What’s next for the franchise?

As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a third “Ready or Not” film. However, given the enduring popularity of the first film and Samara Weaving’s continued star power, it’s not entirely out of the question. The success of the sequel at the box office will likely play a significant role in determining whether Searchlight Pictures decides to move forward with another installment. For now, fans will have to settle for revisiting the original, which remains a standout example of modern horror-comedy.