Commentary — ‘Ready Or Not: Here I Come’ Opens Up The Universe
by Frank Martin
Some stories are so self-contained that it’s hard to imagine a spin-off with the potential to expand the universe. In order for a mythos to grow, there needs to be holes to fill in the backstory. The first Ready Or Not was more-or-less a closed plot. It dealt with one family making a singular deal that led to the events of the film. Of course, other writers could come up with new ways to keep the story going. But in the case of Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come, the sequel provided ample material that could open up the universe in many different directions.
The film takes place in the aftermath of the first one as Grace (Samara Weaving) emerges from her wedding night as the only survivor. She believes she’s safe as the family she married into is all dead. Unbeknownst to her, though, they are actually just one family in an entire satanic cult that rules the world. With that family kaput, a ritual with the other families to find a new head of their council is triggered. So the hide-and-seek game must continue, leading Grace to once again run for her life … only this time with her sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton).
The inclusion of the council is a bit convoluted, but it adds an entirely new dimension to the universe. It demonstrates the rules of these games apply not just to singular families, but a whole society. Many of these dynasties have been a part of the council for generations, opening up an entire history to be explored. No doubt, this Illuminati-like group has existed for hundreds if not thousands of years. There could be hide-and-seek games played during the Middle Ages, colonial times, and more, allowing multiple opportunities for spin-offs in comics, television, and more.
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come is now streaming on Hulu.