Ratatouille 2 (2025) – Detailed Review
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Overview

Ratatouille 2 (2025) is the long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s 2007 culinary masterpiece, Ratatouille, directed by Brad Bird. The original film enchanted audiences with its heartfelt story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, and his unlikely partnership with the human chef Linguini. Nearly two decades after the success of the first film, Ratatouille 2 picks up with the next chapter in Remy’s journey, continuing to explore themes of food, passion, family, and the pursuit of dreams.

In this sequel, Remy’s culinary talents have earned him a prominent place in the world of haute cuisine. But as the restaurant world continues to evolve and new challenges arise, Remy must once again navigate the tricky balance between his rat instincts and his culinary ambitions. With a fresh batch of new characters and a setting that sees Remy striving to open his own restaurant, the film promises to combine the heart and humor of the original with a new level of maturity and growth.

Storyline

The story of Ratatouille 2 begins a few years after the events of the first film. Remy and Linguini have achieved a certain level of success at Gusteau’s Restaurant in Paris, but Remy’s dreams have grown. He’s no longer content with simply being a chef’s assistant; he wants to open his own restaurant—a place where he can cook freely without hiding in the shadows. This ambition, however, brings new complications.

The culinary world has changed since Remy first began his journey, with younger, more ambitious chefs and new food trends taking over. Remy is faced with the challenge of staying true to his unique cooking style while competing with the establishment and finding a way to be taken seriously in a world that still views rats as pests, not professionals.

Linguini, now a skilled chef in his own right, is supportive but also struggling with his own identity in the kitchen. He’s no longer the bumbling waiter he once was, but he still faces the pressure of living up to the legacy of Chef Gusteau, whose restaurant still stands as a symbol of culinary excellence.

Their relationship is put to the test when Remy opens his restaurant, La Petite Cuisine, in a small corner of Paris. The restaurant is an instant hit, but Remy’s secret—his partnership with a rat—could jeopardize everything. As the business grows, so does the attention from critics, food bloggers, and rival chefs who will stop at nothing to discredit Remy’s success.

In this high-stakes culinary world, Remy and Linguini must also deal with personal challenges. Remy faces the question of whether his desire for recognition is worth sacrificing his bond with his family of rats. Meanwhile, Linguini is forced to confront his role in the kitchen, as he grapples with the shadow of his father’s legacy and his own growth as a chef.

The movie also introduces new characters, including Tati, a talented and ambitious young sous-chef who believes in Remy’s talent but is eager to outshine him, and Chef Raymond, an eccentric and over-the-top rival chef who sees Remy as both a threat and a curiosity.

The emotional core of the story revolves around Remy’s internal struggle between his dreams and his loyalty to his rat family. Will he sacrifice his newfound success for the sake of staying true to himself and his loved ones? Or will the world of fine dining prove too much for a rat to conquer?

Characters and Performances

• Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) – Remy continues to be the heart of the film, a character driven by a passion for cooking but torn between his rat origins and his desire to prove himself in a human world. Patton Oswalt’s voice work brings both humor and heart to Remy, capturing his blend of determination, creativity, and vulnerability. In Ratatouille 2, Remy is more mature and introspective, grappling with deeper questions about what it means to be truly successful.
• Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano) – Linguini has matured since the first film, becoming a more confident chef who has found his own place in the culinary world. His relationship with Remy has evolved into a partnership of equals, but their different ambitions bring tension. Lou Romano reprises his role with the same charming, awkward energy, but with a new sense of purpose as Linguini navigates his role in Remy’s growing restaurant empire.
• Colette (voiced by Janeane Garofalo) – Colette, the tough and talented chef from the first film, remains a strong figure in Remy’s life. In Ratatouille 2, she has become a more senior chef at La Petite Cuisine, offering both guidance and support. Her relationship with Linguini continues to be playful and strong, but she too must come to terms with the sacrifices required to build something lasting in the competitive culinary world.
• Tati (voiced by Awkwafina) – Tati is a new character introduced as a bright, ambitious sous-chef who initially looks up to Remy. However, her competitive spirit and desire to make a name for herself lead to tension when she tries to outshine Remy. Awkwafina’s voice work brings energy and fun to the role, adding both humor and depth to Tati’s character as she grapples with her own ambitions and insecurities.
• Chef Raymond (voiced by Jon Hamm) – Raymond is a flamboyant and over-the-top rival chef who runs a Michelin-star restaurant. He sees Remy’s success as both a threat and a gimmick and is determined to expose him for what he is—a rat pretending to be a chef. Jon Hamm brings a perfect balance of charm and arrogance to the role, making Raymond both a comic antagonist and a formidable rival.
• Django (voiced by Brian Dennehy) – Django, Remy’s father, returns in a more prominent role. He’s still skeptical of Remy’s pursuit of a “human dream,” and his character serves as a reminder of the family ties that are often put in conflict with personal ambitions. Brian Dennehy’s performance adds a grounding, fatherly warmth to the film.

Themes and Direction

Like the original, Ratatouille 2 continues to explore themes of pursuing one’s passion, breaking barriers, and the conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to one’s roots. However, the stakes are higher in this sequel as Remy faces new challenges in a world that is less accepting of his unusual culinary talents.

The film delves into the pressures of success, questioning whether it is worth sacrificing personal relationships for career achievements. Remy’s internal conflict about his identity as both a rat and a chef forms the emotional backbone of the story. The movie also touches on the importance of authenticity in an increasingly commercialized world, as Remy must decide whether to stay true to his culinary vision or adapt to the expectations of the industry.

Director Brad Bird masterfully combines humor, heart, and visually stunning animation to create a sequel that honors the original while taking the story in new directions. The film’s pacing is tight, with clever twists, emotional beats, and culinary-inspired action sequences that keep the audience engaged.

Visuals and Animation

Ratatouille 2 is visually stunning, with Pixar’s trademark animation bringing the world of Paris—and Remy’s restaurant—back to life in breathtaking detail. The food, of course, remains a central visual element, with mouthwatering depictions of exquisite dishes that reflect Remy’s growing mastery of the culinary arts. The new restaurant setting is designed with care, with whimsical touches that highlight both Remy’s creative genius and the challenges of working in a high-end kitchen.

The animation also delves into the unique perspective of Remy, showing the bustling kitchen world from a rat’s-eye view and using scale and perspective to great effect. The sequences in the kitchen, particularly during cooking battles and high-stress moments, are exhilarating and beautifully choreographed.

Conclusion

Ratatouille 2 (2025) is a delightful, heartfelt sequel that continues the story of Remy and his culinary dreams. With rich characters, emotional stakes, and a vibrant Parisian setting, it’s a movie that not only builds on the themes of the original but expands them in exciting ways. The film is both a love letter to food and an exploration of the importance of pursuing one’s dreams against all odds.

Remy’s journey is one of self-discovery, ambition, and family, making this sequel an inspiring continuation of the Ratatouille legacy. Pixar has once again created a world full of charm, humor, and heart—one where even a rat can prove that anyone can cook, if they have the courage to follow their passions.