Netflix’s latest action sequel, The Old guard 2, reunites Charlize Theron and her team of immortal mercenaries for another globe-trotting mission. Following up on the popular 2020 original, which offered much-needed escapism, anticipation was high for this next chapter. However, many critics argue that the film struggles to live up to its predecessor, ultimately delivering a frustratingly incomplete experience that feels less like a standalone movie and more like setup for something yet to come. This review explores the highs and lows of the sequel, its new threats, shifting dynamics, and the core issue leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied.
The Promise of Immortal Returns
The first Old Guard film introduced audiences to Andy (Charlize Theron), Nile (KiKi Layne), Nicky (Luca Marinelli), and Joe (Marwan Kenzari), a tight-knit group of ancient warriors unable to die. Their bonds, forged over millennia, and the unique challenges of their existence provided a compelling foundation. The sequel picks up with significant changes. Andy, the group’s leader, has mysteriously lost her immortality, adding a layer of vulnerability previously unseen. Meanwhile, Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) is serving a lengthy exile for his betrayal in the first film.
A major plot point teased in the original and central to the sequel is the return of Quynh (Vân Veronica Ngô), Andy’s former comrade tragically imprisoned at the bottom of the ocean for centuries. Her reemergence, understandably filled with rage and a desire for retribution, sets the stage for a potentially rich, emotionally charged conflict rooted in deep history. The dynamic between Andy and Quynh, hinting at a complex past possibly involving romantic love, is one of the most anticipated elements.
Shifting Dynamics and New Threats
Directing duties for The Old Guard 2 transitioned from Gina Prince-Bythewood to Victoria Mahoney, known for her TV work and second unit direction on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Working from a screenplay by Greg Rucka and Sarah L. Walker, the film attempts to recapture the energy of the first movie. It opens with a lively action sequence showcasing the team’s coordinated efforts to apprehend an arms dealer. Nicky and Joe get a stylish car chase, while Andy, Nile, and Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) handle the hand-to-hand combat. This opening sequence provides a welcome return to the action and helps refresh viewer memory about Andy’s newfound mortality.
However, this initial burst of energy is, according to many reviews, never quite replicated. The plot quickly introduces a new antagonist: Discord, portrayed by Uma Thurman. Discord is presented as perhaps the oldest immortal, who rescued Quynh and now seeks to eliminate the Old Guard. While the prospect of Charlize Theron facing off against Uma Thurman is exciting on paper, the execution and character development for Discord fall short. Her motivations are described as flimsy and her character ultimately feels underdeveloped, a missed opportunity despite Thurman’s commanding presence.
A Plot Lost in Lore and Lack of Resolution
A significant criticism leveled against The Old Guard 2 is that its narrative becomes overly complicated and loses focus. The plot attempts to weave together Andy’s struggle with mortality, Quynh’s vengeance, Discord’s enigmatic plan, and the team’s efforts to stay hidden, but it often gets bogged down in exposition about the rules and science of immortality. This focus on lore, sometimes delivered through new characters like Tuah (Henry Golding) who serve primarily expository roles, can detract from the more compelling character-driven elements.
Despite a runtime of 105 minutes, the film feels rushed in certain areas while dragging in others. Engaging story threads are introduced, yet few are given sufficient time to fully develop. The narrative structure is described as occasionally choppy and convoluted, making it difficult to track key information. The potential for exploring the deep, complex bonds between characters spanning centuries feels underdeveloped, sacrificed for generic genre requirements and plotting that feels more concerned with setting up future installments than telling a satisfying story in the present.
Character Standouts Amidst the Chaos
Even amidst the criticized plot structure, the core ensemble cast remains a highlight, with their chemistry carrying over from the first film. Their natural dynamic helps keep viewers engaged even when the narrative falters.
Vân Veronica Ngô’s portrayal of Quynh is frequently cited as a major standout performance. She brings an enigmatic and charismatic presence to a character filled with centuries of pain and anger, making her arc one of the film’s most compelling, despite it feeling somewhat rushed. Matthias Schoenaerts also earns praise for bringing pathos to Booker’s storyline, exploring the consequences of his past actions. While Charlize Theron is commended for her skill in action sequences and portraying Andy’s complex relationship with mortality, some critics felt her performance otherwise seemed “listless,” possibly due to the messy production. The relationship between Nicky and Joe, a fan favorite, remains a positive note, although they are given limited screen time compared to their impact in the first film.
The Unfinished Story: Where Did the Ending Go?
The most significant and widely criticized aspect of The Old Guard 2 is its abrupt and unresolved ending. Around 80 minutes into the film, with numerous plot threads dangling and major confrontations still expected, the movie simply stops mid-climax. This isn’t presented as a traditional cliffhanger that leaves the audience wanting more after a satisfying story; instead, it feels like the narrative was simply cut short before reaching its intended conclusion.
This lack of a proper ending is deemed the film’s “greatest sin” by some reviewers. Unlike other franchise films that clearly signal they are “Part One” (like Dune or Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One), The Old Guard 2 does not provide this expectation. For audiences accustomed to streaming services that typically provide complete stories or clear paths to the next episode, this sudden stop feels particularly frustrating. The reviewer notes that there’s no guarantee of an “Old Guard 3” to provide resolution, leaving viewers feeling that their time investment in the 105-minute film was wasted. The experience is likened to watching only “half a movie,” a feature-length prologue that prioritizes laying groundwork for a hypothetical future over delivering a cohesive narrative today.
Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses
Ultimately, The Old Guard 2 is seen as a mixed bag. On the positive side, it benefits from a compelling premise, a strong ensemble cast with great chemistry, and some promising character dynamics, particularly the fraught reunion between Andy and Quynh. The initial action sequence sets a fun tone, and individual performances from actors like Vân Ngô and Matthias Schoenaerts stand out.
However, these strengths are hampered by significant weaknesses. The plot is criticized for being convoluted, overly focused on lore, and failing to fully develop key elements like the new villain, Discord. The pacing feels inconsistent, and some action sequences lack the impact of the original due to editing choices. Most crucially, the film’s abrupt and unresolved ending leaves the entire experience feeling incomplete and unsatisfying, undermining the potential of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do critics say ‘The Old Guard 2’ feels incomplete?
Many critics describe The Old Guard 2 as feeling incomplete because it ends abruptly, seemingly mid-climax, around 80 minutes into its 105-minute runtime. Key plot threads involving the immortal team, the new villain Discord, and the conflict with Quynh are left unresolved. Unlike typical cliffhangers or films clearly labeled as “Part One,” this sequel concludes without providing resolution, leaving reviewers feeling the story was cut short or exists solely to set up a potential third movie.
Who directed ‘The Old Guard 2’ compared to the first film?
Victoria Mahoney directed The Old Guard 2. This was a change from the first film, The Old Guard, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Mahoney has directed episodes of TV series like “Queen Sugar” and “You” and served as second unit director on “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.”
Is ‘The Old Guard 2’ worth watching on Netflix despite reviews?
Based on the consensus, The Old Guard 2 is seen as a disappointing sequel that doesn’t live up to the original. Its biggest flaw is the unresolved ending, which can leave viewers frustrated. While the core cast’s chemistry and some performances (like Vân Ngô as Quynh and Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker) are praised, the weak plot and incomplete nature make it difficult for critics to recommend it as a satisfying viewing experience on its own. It might appeal most to dedicated fans eager to see the characters again, but others may find it a waste of time.
In conclusion, The Old Guard 2 had the potential to build upon the strengths of its predecessor with intriguing new character dynamics and threats. However, a convoluted plot, an underdeveloped villain, and most notably, a frustratingly abrupt non-ending, prevent it from delivering a cohesive and satisfying sequel. It leaves viewers feeling like they’ve watched only a segment of a larger story, questioning the value of the film as a standalone entry.
