When the filmmaking collective Radio Silence made 2019’s Ready or Not, it was among a series of films that were satirizing the divide between the rich and the poor, also explored in movies like Knives Out and Parasite. Ready or Not followed Samara Weaving’s Grace, who came from nothing, being hunted by her spouse’s wealthy family as part of a wedding night ritual to worship the Devil.
Seven years have passed, and after their two Scream installments and original work Abigail, the two directors return to wreak havoc on Grace’s life. Picking up where its predecessor left off, having survived a deadly game of hide-and-seek that resulted in the deaths of her in-laws, Grace is reunited with her estranged younger sister Faith (Kathyrn Newton) and once again hunted by four rival elite families in a high-stakes ritual to claim a seat of ultimate power.
To quote Ice Cube’s Captain Dickson from 22 Jump Street: “It’s the same case, do the same thing!” This sequel doubles down on the action, despite the lack of surprise being noticeable, especially when we are aware of the supernatural element, which leads to the first film’s cathartic and hilarious conclusion. Even the gore by that point doesn’t seem that shocking, despite Weaving screaming her lungs out from the amount of pain her character goes through.
While our perception of the rich and powerful hasn’t changed since 2019, this film puts a satanic twist about the worldwide influence of corporate business and the seats of power. However, the new villains don’t leave the biggest impression. With fun exceptions like Elijah Wood who is having the most fun as the lawyer who maintains the order of the game, as well as Sarah Michelle Gellar bringing nuance to her villainous role, the rest of the families feel more like vehicles for some fun set-pieces that balance the gore and humor.
As before, Samara Weaving reigns supreme when it comes to these films, with a performance that can range from frightened hysterics to snarky one-liners. Whereas its predecessor cemented Grace as one of the best final girls, the sequel adds a new dynamic in Kathryn Newton’s Faith, making this feel more like a buddy movie. Having previously starred in the aforementioned Abigail, Newton, like her co-star, nails the balance between humor and terror, whilst bringing some heart into exploring the estranged sister relationship.
