‘The Old Guard 2’ Review: Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne Bring All the Right Moves, but Netflix Sequel Doesn’t Have the Same Kick

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In 2020, amidst months of COVID lockdown and disrupted release schedules, a refreshing blend of hard-hitting action and emotionally resonant drama emerged with the arrival of The Old Guard. This film featured characters who were not only skilled in MMA fights, wielding knives, swords, and even Bronze Age axes, but also possessed deep emotional depth, grappling with the loneliness and sorrow that comes from their immortal existence. Unfortunately, the 2025 Netflix sequel retains many of these elements, but lacks the essential ingredient – the masterful direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne reprise their roles as, respectively, the timelessly beautiful, fit, and agile warrior and the formidable budding immortal, accompanied by an impressive ensemble cast featuring Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli portraying Joe and Nicky, a long-standing gay couple whose romance transcends centuries. The heartfelt proclamation of love and intense kiss shared between them in the bed of a truck loaded with tough-guy armored soldiers during the initial film was a treasure for queer audiences who have been yearning for authentic representation in superhero films.

In a new take, written by Greg Rucka along with Sarah L. Walker, who are continuing the graphic novel series they co-created with artist Leandro Fernandez, this follow-up can’t replicate the initial freshness of its predecessor. However, what made the first movie successful wasn’t only the depth of the characters or the captivating cast. It was also about the powerful execution of action sequences and the profound emotion conveyed in those moments, which were brought to life by director Prince-Bythewood.

Victoria Mahoney skillfully handles her directing roles in both episodic TV and second unit for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, demonstrating a polished style and consistent pace. However, the sequel leans more towards competence than excitement, and its emotional scenes fail to strike a deep chord with viewers too infrequently.

The final movie concluded with Andy (Theron) enigmatically forfeiting her immortality; comrade Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) banished for a century due to treachery; and CIA operative Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) changing allegiances, vowing to employ his skills to erase their footprints and guide them to wherever their assistance was sought. A brief scene six months later depicted Booker drinking away his woes in Paris, returning home to discover Quynh (Veronica Van) residing in his apartment.

Long ago, the immortal character was Andy’s close friend, and they were a pair, although the sequel chooses not to confirm or deny that they were romantically involved. (Why the subtlety? Was it perhaps thought that having two same-sex couples might be too much for the storyline?)

500 years ago, Quynh was falsely accused of witchcraft and entombed alive in an iron casket, chained and submerged at sea. Her unique gift, shared with her fellow immortals, is the ability to rejuvenate after death. This has resulted in her drowning and resuscitating over and over again for five centuries. The endless cycle of torment has nurtured Quynh’s deep-seated resentment towards mankind and her wrath directed at Andy, who had sworn to stand by her till the end. In a brief prelude, she is found floating in the ocean, barely clinging to life.

The film opens with an engaging introduction featuring its thrilling action sequence, set amidst a luxurious villa along the Croatian coastline, serving as the backdrop for an elaborate arms deal. (In truth, it’s a captivating display of real estate in Lake Como; the production primarily took place in Italy.) Meanwhile, Nile (Layne) surveys from a boat, while Joe and Nicky divert guards by racing away in two classic sports cars parked outside. Simultaneously, Andy and Copley make their way into the mansion, where it just so happens that Andy discovers a substantial sword hanging on the wall.

In this production, Barry Ackroyd, the skilled cinematographer, Georgi Manchev, the fight choreographer, along with the cast, stunt crew, are all performing at their peak. The scenes are filled with intense confrontations one after another, which are interspersed with a heart-pounding car chase as Joe and Nicky evade their pursuers. This thrilling sequence gains an extra boost when Nile abandons her observation post and makes a breathtaking entrance.

Unfortunately, although future fight scenes promise to be thrilling, the sequel fails to recapture the initial film’s exhilarating intensity. However, it manages to avoid being monotonous, ensuring that fans of the original movie will continue to follow along.

At their secure hideout, Copley shares that the man they thought was the weapons purchaser was actually acting as an intermediary for an unidentified woman. This woman is the same person seen on CCTV footage, waiting for facial recognition verification. However, Nile identifies her from a dream he had in a library filled with old books.

The library is a testament to countless years of dedication by Andy’s longtime friend, Tuah (Henry Golding), who forsook his military career to chronicling the role of the immortals in history — the sequence of events and consequences that Copley mapped out.

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The library stands as a monument to decades of devotion by Andy’s old friend, Tuah (Henry Golding), who gave up his military career to research the impact of immortals on history — the chain of events and repercussions that Copley investigated.

It’s uncovered that numerous books belonging to Tuah were swiped by a woman known as Discord (Uma Thurman), who possesses multiple aliases. This immortal being, older than Andy himself, has been lurking in the background for five centuries, accumulating vast riches and influence. Currently, she’s targeting an even more significant goal, leveraging Quynh to reach Andy and their group.

Rucka and Walker’s script cleverly explains the unique method by which an immortal can lose their eternal life, offering insight to Andy, while also revealing that the surrendered power can be transferred to someone else.

The return of Booker, who is now disillusioned, influences future events. Andy’s moody demeanor intensifies with the resurfacing of vengeful Quynh, but as Nile becomes more open to her guidance, the relationship between these two women develops a fresh warmth and humor. When Nile expresses worry about Andy’s mental state, Andy responds wittily, “I may be mortal, but I’m not done yet.

In a thrilling confrontation filled with deep emotional tension and remorse, Andy locates Quynh in Rome and they engage in a fierce brawl in a narrow alleyway, showcasing intricate dance-like movements. Although weapons such as guns, knives, and various other sharp objects are abundant during their skirmishes, the focus on raw physicality – the clash of bodies – is a common theme in both films. Similarly, whether they’re mortal or immortal, the characters in these movies truly feel the agony of their wounds.

The enjoyable gatherings are revisited, yet Kenzari and Marinelli seem somewhat underused beyond their thrilling participation in the opening car chase. Their initial film’s romantic enchantment is unmatched, but it’s delightful to see them stumble towards bed, with Joe teasing Nicky about his snoring when he’s had too much to drink. However, a scene that seems to be leading up to a kiss suddenly turns into a forehead nuzzle instead. Oh dear!

Despite enduring less solitude and grief than many of their peers due to their constant companionship, there exists a touching implication that these two individuals are an unusual symbol of resilience and camaraderie.

During a critical phase, Andy experiences some touching instances, but things become more predictable once the scenario transitions to a covert Indonesian nuclear facility managed by the Chinese, equipped with explosives. All signs suggest a showdown between Andy and Discord is imminent, not forgetting the confrontation between Theron, who has demonstrated combat abilities in movies like The Old Guard, Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Kill Bill series’ Black Mamba, and Thurman. However, this expected clash falls short of expectations.

The suspenseful conclusion strongly hints at a third film being in development, suggesting that the creators are holding back their best elements for the finale. Despite its flaws, The Old Guard 2 stands out as an above-average original streaming production. It boasts excellent performances from a talented ensemble cast, offers ample action to keep viewers engaged, and delves into thoughtful contemplation about the complex nature of superheroes and their moral dilemmas.

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2025-07-02 10:25