The Proposal 2: For Better or Worse (2025) – A Charming Return with Fresh Twists
After more than a decade, fans of the beloved 2009 romantic comedy The Proposal finally get the long-awaited sequel, The Proposal 2: For Better or Worse (2025). Directed by Anne Fletcher once again, the film brings back Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds as the fiery Margaret Tate and the ever-charming Andrew Paxton, this time navigating the unpredictable waters of marriage, family, and unexpected surprises in their small-town Alaskan life.
Set fifteen years after the events of the original movie, The Proposal 2 catches up with Margaret and Andrew, now settled into a relatively peaceful life in Sitka, Alaska. Margaret, once a feared New York editor, has mellowed over the years and now runs a successful publishing consultancy remotely. Andrew, still writing and managing his family’s businesses, is preparing for a quiet life—until chaos returns in the form of a surprise visit from Margaret’s estranged younger sister, Emily (played by Zoë Kravitz), and an immigration officer with unfinished business.
The film cleverly mirrors the original’s themes—deception, emotional vulnerability, and unexpected romance—while exploring the complexities of long-term commitment. The title For Better or Worse is fitting: this time around, the couple faces real marital challenges, including questions about having children, navigating career sacrifices, and confronting past regrets. The comedic tension resurfaces when Margaret and Andrew must pretend to be the perfect couple again—not for a visa this time, but for a reality TV show being filmed in Sitka that could benefit Andrew’s family business.
Bullock and Reynolds revive their remarkable chemistry, proving their comedic timing and emotional depth have only improved with age. Bullock balances vulnerability with her character’s trademark sharp wit, while Reynolds brings both sincerity and playfulness, especially in scenes involving his quirky family. Betty White’s absence is deeply felt, but the film pays tribute to her character, Grandma Annie, in a heartfelt scene that is both moving and nostalgic.
New supporting characters add flavor, including Kravitz’s Emily, whose strained relationship with Margaret provides one of the film’s emotional arcs. There’s also a subplot involving Andrew’s younger cousin (played by Jacob Elordi), who is hiding a secret romance that mirrors the central couple’s original deception. The small-town charm of Sitka is once again a character of its own, with stunning landscapes and a community that meddles in all the right (and wrong) ways.
Critics have praised The Proposal 2 for respecting its predecessor while offering a fresh take on love and marriage. It’s not just about rekindling old magic—it’s about asking what happens after “happily ever after.” While some plot points stretch believability, the film is grounded by its emotional sincerity and the maturity of its leads.
In the end, The Proposal 2: For Better or Worse is a delightful sequel that delivers laughs, heart, and just the right amount of awkward dancing in the woods. For fans of the original, it's a nostalgic reunion worth the wait—and for newcomers, it’s a charming romantic comedy with depth and warmth.
