Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Review: Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton Lead Radio Silence’s Blood-Soaked Sequel at SXSW World Premiere

Ready or Not 2 brings fury, fun, and fountains of blood.

The filmmakers known as Radio Silence continue their hot streak with Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel that doubles down on everything fans loved about the original.

The directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett built a reputation for stylish horror chaos with Ready or Not (2019), Scream (2022), and Abigail (2024). Their latest film proves their formula still works. With their track record firing on all cylinders, the duo is also gearing up for another massive project with their upcoming The Mummy film starring Brendan Fraser, making Ready or Not 2 yet another example of how well they balance tension, surprises, action, comedy, and pure carnage.

The result is a wildly entertaining horror-action spectacle packed with tension, humor, shocking kills, and fountains of blood.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come had its world premiere at The Paramount Theatre in Austin during the SXSW Film Festival on March 13, 2026. Cast members Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, and Elijah Wood attended alongside the filmmakers ahead of its March 20 release date.

Radio Silence Delivers Another Stylish Horror Ride

Radio Silence understands how to balance horror, action, and dark comedy in a way few filmmakers can match.

Their movies rarely sit still. Instead, they move at a breakneck pace while keeping audiences entertained with unexpected twists and clever storytelling.

That approach shines once again in Ready or Not 2. The sequel raises the stakes while expanding the twisted world introduced in the first film.

Even viewers who missed the original can easily jump into this one. The film delivers clear exposition early, making the story accessible without sacrificing momentum. However, the film also makes a strong case for revisiting the original.

A Story That Raises the Stakes

The story picks up moments after Grace survived the deadly Le Domas family ritual.

Grace, played once again by Samara Weaving, learns she has reached the next level of the terrifying game. This time, the stakes are far greater. She must claim the High Seat of the Council that secretly controls the world.

Grace’s estranged sister Faith, played by Kathryn Newton, joins the fight. Together, they must survive four rival families hunting them for the throne.

Whoever wins will rule it all. The premise turns the sequel into a high-stakes battle royale filled with betrayals, alliances, and relentless violence.

Samara Weaving Leads a Trio of Badass Performances

The Bill & Ted Face the Music star Samara Weaving once again proves she is one of the most fearless performers working in genre cinema. Her performance here cements her status as a modern action star.

Grace is tougher, smarter, and more dangerous than ever. Weaving brings intensity, humor, and grit to the role, making every moment feel thrilling.

Honestly, she would be an incredible Harley Quinn in the DC Universe if the role ever changes hands.

Kathryn Newton also steals scenes as Faith. The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star brings a chaotic energy to the character. Faith feels like an exaggerated version of Newton’s naturally playful personality, which makes the performance even more entertaining.

Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle Gellar delivers one of the film’s most surprising performances.

Her role pushes into territory audiences have not really seen from her before. It is the kind of performance that makes fans even more excited about the upcoming revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Together, the trio gives us one of the most entertaining female powerhouses seen in a horror film in years.

Elijah Wood and the Supporting Cast Add to the Chaos

Elijah Wood plays a key role in driving the story forward, setting up the new game for Grace to survive. His performance adds both menace and intrigue to the power struggle at the center of the story.

The supporting cast also keeps the film moving at a relentless pace.

Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, Olivia Cheng, Varun Saranga, Daniel Beirne, and David Cronenberg each bring their own flavor to the twisted world of secret societies and deadly traditions.

Every character is a fun and unpredictable piece of a much larger and more dangerous game.

Creative Kills and Relentless Bloodshed

Of course, a Ready or Not film would not be complete without outrageous violence. The sequel delivers creative kills, brutal showdowns, and enough blood to satisfy even the most dedicated horror fans.

Radio Silence stages the action with style. Every fight, chase, and surprise attack feels carefully crafted to keep audiences on edge.

At times, the movie becomes downright insane, but that chaos is exactly what makes it so much fun. This is horror entertainment that knows exactly what it is doing.

Verdict

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is absolutely insane in the best possible way.

The film delivers fierce females, full-throttle fury, and fountains of blood. Radio Silence once again proves they understand how to blend tension, humor, action, and horror into one unforgettable ride.

With standout performances from Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, and Sarah Michelle Gellar, the sequel easily becomes one of the most entertaining genre films of the year.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Writer: Guy Busick, R. Christopher Murphy
Starring: Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Elijah Wood, Nestor Carbonell, Olivia Cheng, Varun Saranga, David Cronenberg, Kevin Durand
Release Date: March 20, 2026


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Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.

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