After a long delay and plenty of speculation, “The Old Guard 2” has finally landed on Netflix. The sequel to the 2020 surprise hit reunites audiences with a team of immortal mercenaries led by Charlize Theron as Andromache of Scythia (Andy), and picks up where the original left off. However, despite its stylish action and star-studded cast, the film feels like a fragmented, undercooked effort—more like a middle chapter than a complete story.
From narrative stumbles to underdeveloped characters, “The Old Guard 2” tries to push the franchise forward but stumbles under the weight of expectation and its own ambition.
Recap: Where “The Old Guard” Left Us
For those needing a refresher, “The Old Guard” (2020) introduced a covert group of immortals who’ve fought in secret wars for centuries. Andy, the leader, was grappling with her diminishing powers and existential questions. Meanwhile, Nile (Kiki Layne), a newly discovered immortal, joined the team, and a betrayal by Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) led to him being exiled for 100 years.
The movie ended with a mid-credit teaser showing Quynh (Veronica Ngo)—Andy’s long-lost companion once thought to be dead—suddenly alive and resurfacing.
Plot Overview of “The Old Guard 2”
Warning: Minor spoilers ahead
The sequel picks up some time after the events of the first film. Andy, now fully mortal, is struggling with her identity. The team is still coping with Booker’s betrayal and Nile’s increasing leadership role. Quynh’s return is both emotional and ominous, as she harbors unresolved trauma and possibly a sinister agenda.
A new antagonist emerges in the form of a biotech company run by a morally ambiguous CEO, who wants to use the immortals’ DNA for scientific advancement—or corporate control. There’s also a deeper dive into the mythology of immortality, but the film frustratingly offers more questions than answers.
Performances: Charlize Theron Shines, But Is Underserved
Charlize Theron once again brings her fierce physicality and gravitas to the role of Andy. However, with the focus spread across too many characters, even she struggles to make a lasting emotional impact. Her portrayal of a warrior grappling with newfound mortality is subtle and grounded but lacks narrative support.
KiKi Layne (Nile) has significantly more screen time and action set-pieces, showing her evolution into a battle-hardened leader. However, her arc is somewhat linear and lacks the depth promised in the first film.
Veronica Ngo’s Quynh is one of the sequel’s most intriguing additions. Her mysterious return, emotional scars, and questionable motives could have added dramatic heft—yet the script never fully commits to exploring her complexity.
Chiwetel Ejiofor returns as Copley but is reduced to a background figure with minimal influence over the plot. Matthias Schoenaerts and Luca Marinelli (Booker and Nicky) deliver strong chemistry but are underutilized.
Direction and Style: From Slick to Scattered
The first film was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who balanced emotion and action well. For the sequel, the director’s chair goes to Victoria Mahoney, known for her work on “Lovecraft Country” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (second unit director). While she brings visual flair and energy to the action scenes, the narrative coherence suffers.
Some sequences are gorgeously choreographed, with practical stunts and visceral hand-to-hand combat. However, the pacing is uneven, and multiple subplots clash instead of converging.
The film jumps from London to Morocco to Eastern Europe, trying to expand the world but ultimately feeling disjointed and incomplete.
Screenplay & Storytelling: A Half-Told Tale
The screenplay, penned once again by Greg Rucka (who wrote the original graphic novel), feels like it’s trying to do too much. Themes of immortality, betrayal, identity, ethics in science, and found family are all present—but none are explored in satisfying depth.
Some key issues:
- Too many characters, too little development
- Incomplete arcs for Andy, Quynh, and Booker
- Cliffhanger ending with no clear resolution
- Dialogue that ranges from sharp to cringeworthy
Instead of feeling like a complete film, “The Old Guard 2” seems more like Episode 2 in a trilogy that hasn’t yet figured out how to tell its story cohesively.
Visuals, Effects & Music
Despite narrative flaws, the production quality is high:
- Crisp cinematography with fluid action camera work
- Realistic prosthetic makeup for wounds and healing sequences
- VFX is solid but not overused—relying more on practical effects
- Music by Max Aruj and Ruth Barrett delivers moody tones but doesn’t leave a lasting impression
The fight choreography remains one of the franchise’s strengths, especially when Theron and Layne are in action.
What Works
- Charlize Theron’s screen presence
- Quynh’s mysterious arc (even if underdeveloped)
- Strong visual style and practical action
- Expansion of the immortal mythology
- Themes of loss, legacy, and redemption
What Doesn’t Work
- Fragmented story with unresolved threads
- Overstuffed subplots without payoff
- Underwritten character arcs
- Lack of emotional weight
- Unnecessary sequel baiting
Audience Reaction & Critical Reception
Initial reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic indicate a mixed to negative reception, with many critics praising the visuals and Theron’s performance but slamming the messy structure and incomplete storyline.
On social media, fans are divided. Some appreciate the return of beloved characters and action, while others express frustration over the lack of closure and uneven pacing.
Final Verdict: Watch It or Skip It?
“The Old Guard 2” is not without merit. It’s watchable, especially for fans of the first film, and offers moments of brilliance. But as a standalone sequel, it fails to deliver the emotional and narrative punch the franchise deserves.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5
Verdict: A visually sleek yet narratively scattered sequel that leaves more questions than answers.
Will There Be a Part 3?
The ending of “The Old Guard 2” strongly hints at a third installment, setting up:
- A possible civil war among the immortals
- Deeper origins of their powers
- A new threat emerging from inside the team
However, given the lukewarm reception, Netflix’s decision to greenlight a third film may depend heavily on viewer metrics in the first few weeks of release.
FAQs: “The Old Guard 2” on Netflix
Q1. Is “The Old Guard 2” worth watching without seeing the first film?
A1. Not really. You’ll miss important context, character history, and emotional stakes. Watch the original first.
Q2. How long is the runtime of the film?
A2. Approximately 121 minutes (2 hours 1 minute).
Q3. Is the film suitable for children?
A3. No. It’s rated for mature audiences due to violence, blood, and dark themes.
Q4. Are there post-credit scenes?
A4. There’s a final scene that acts as a soft cliffhanger, teasing future developments, but no mid/post-credit stingers.
Q5. Where can I watch it?
A5. Exclusively on Netflix worldwide from July 3, 2025.