31 Days of Horror: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Horror isn’t just a genre; it’s an amalgamation of pop culture, cozy traditions, and things that go bump in the night. This year, we're taking our 31 Days of Horror across the entire cultural spectrum. We’ll be taking a look at movies that scare us, games that kept us paranoid, scary books we cozy up with under blankets, music that sets that spooky tone and seasonal food we’re craving–or strange food you’d have to tie us up and force feed us. Whether you’re looking for something truly terrifying or a cozy autumn haunt, come back every day this month for a new bite-sized review or spooky adjacent list.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is…well…not bad. Let's start there. While it's nowhere near the quality of the first, it's still worth a watch. Honestly, I think it has to do with all the typical pitfalls that come with sequels. Everything seems to always need to be one-upped from its predecessor - from the kills to Samara Weaving's incredible banshee scream- instead of letting things flow forward. The tone balance is there but the plotline veers off the edge of silliness, the kills are zanier (or at least trying to be) and the plot line really mirrors its corporate bureaucracy. 

The film expands the world of Ready or Not in ways that seemingly insult the confined nature of the first. You add in a new central character in Faith (the fantastic Kathyrn Newton) to join her sister Grace (once again the phenomenal Samara Weaving), which is fine and dandy but the expansion of the lore feels way too out of nowhere. Not only is it one family entangled in this supernatural superstition, but multiple groups vying for control of the world. Um, that's a lot for what started out as a little crazy family that may or may not owe their fortune to a long dead satanic cult leader. 

I think my biggest issue comes with the self-awareness and blind eye to its faults. Every moment that could bring a side eye is acknowledged and quickly moved past it rather than opting for better writing of a different scenario. 

All that being said, it's never not fun. The visual style of filmmaking collective Radio Silence is still there and the story never has a moment to lag. It's just kill a minute fun and much like the first offers a satisfying end. Although it's not as scrumptious as the first, I can't help but smile thinking of the films final scene.

Go watch it this wild and off kilter sequel now! You can see where Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is streaming over at JustWatch or pick up a physical copy at your preferred retailer since it's much easier to find than the first movie!