The Old Guard 2 Review: Action, Emotion, and Immortality Returns


The Old Guard 2 is the sequel to the hit 2020 Netflix film The Old Guard. Released on 2 July 2025, this new part continues the story of a group of immortal warriors who secretly fight to protect the world. Directed by Victoria Mahoney and starring Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Uma Thurman, and others, the movie brings back thrilling action, strong emotions, and more about the mystery of their powers.

People were excited before the release, and many fans loved the teaser. After the release, the film got mixed to positive reviews. Some said it’s better than the first one, while others felt it was just okay. Overall, fans of action and fantasy have enjoyed it.


Rating: 3.5/5


Review

The Old Guard 2 gives us a powerful mix of fast action, emotional moments, and a little bit of sadness. It’s not a perfect movie, but it is entertaining. The story moves quickly, the action is sharp, and the characters feel deeper this time. The film also tries to show more about their past lives and struggles.

If you liked other Netflix action movies like Costao or Raid 2, you will probably enjoy this one too.


Story
The story starts soon after the events of the first film. Andy (Charlize Theron) and her immortal team face a new threat. This time, another powerful group wants to capture them and use their powers for evil. At the same time, Nile (KiKi Layne) struggles to accept her new immortal life.

There’s also a twist — a past team member who was thought dead returns. This brings tension, drama, and surprises. The movie explores the cost of living forever and the pain of losing loved ones.

Overall, the story has a good pace. It keeps you engaged and curious to see what happens next.


Acting
Charlize Theron again gives a strong and emotional performance. She shows both power and sadness, making Andy feel real and deep. KiKi Layne also shines, as she becomes more confident and leads many scenes.

Uma Thurman joins the cast and does a great job as a mysterious new character. She brings energy and drama. Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, and others support well. Everyone fits into their roles nicely.

If you enjoy good acting in action films like Thetta or Police Day, this movie will not disappoint.


Direction
Victoria Mahoney has done a good job in directing this sequel. She balances action and emotion well. Some scenes are beautifully shot, especially the fight scenes and flashbacks. The movie keeps a dark and serious tone, just like the first part, but also adds more human feelings.

Her direction helps the characters grow and the story feel bigger. Though some moments feel slow, overall, she handles the film with care and creativity.


Critical Response
Most critics have given The Old Guard 2 average to good ratings. They praised the acting and action scenes but felt the story could be stronger.

Some called it "a better sequel with more heart," while others said it "doesn’t fully explore the new characters." Still, it is doing well among fans of the original film.

Compared to movies like 28 Years Later or DNA, this film is getting more balanced reviews.


Plus Points

  • Strong performance by Charlize Theron
  • Powerful action scenes
  • Deeper emotional moments
  • Good visual effects
  • New characters bring freshness

Minus Points

  • Some slow parts in the middle
  • Less backstory for new characters
  • Predictable twist at times
  • Could have more emotional depth for all characters

Technical Department
The cinematography by Barry Ackroyd is excellent. He captures both the quiet and action scenes perfectly. The fight scenes are sharp and intense. Visual effects are also good, especially when showing immortals healing from wounds.

Editing is smooth, and the movie’s 1h 45min duration feels just right. The sets and costume designs are stylish and match the mood of the film.

Movies like Jinn Pet and United Kingdom of Kerala also did well in technical areas, but The Old Guard 2 looks more polished and grand.


Music Review
The background score by Steffen Thum and Ruth Barrett is thrilling. The music builds tension during fight scenes and adds emotion in dramatic moments. There are no popular songs in the movie, but the soundtrack works well for its tone.

Music is soft and serious, fitting the film's dark fantasy mood. It may not be catchy, but it does its job.


Verdict
The Old Guard 2 is a good sequel. It brings back old characters and introduces new ones. There is more emotion, better action, and a few surprises. While not a perfect film, it offers a solid mix of fantasy, drama, and thrilling moments.

Fans of the first part will enjoy it. New viewers might need to watch The Old Guard first to fully understand the story.

If you enjoy action movies like Bhool Chuk Maaf, The Bhootnii, or Romeo S3, this is a nice addition to your watch list.


Should I Watch This Movie or Not?
Yes, you should watch The Old Guard 2 if you like action, mystery, and fantasy. The movie has good performances, stylish visuals, and an emotional story.

But if you are looking for something light, fun, or romantic, you might want to try something else like Nikita Roy or Elio.

Still, The Old Guard 2 is worth watching for its exciting scenes and great acting. It may not be perfect, but it is surely entertaining.