'The Old Guard 2' Review: An Underwhelming, Yet Intriguing Return for the Immortal Warriors
- Shauna Bushe
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By Shauna Bushe - July 5, 2025
New additions Uma Thurman and Henry Golding join Netflix’s long-awaited sequel but fall into a disjointed rhythm as this lack lustred sequel doesn’t quite hit the same.
5 years ago, The Old Guard sparked excitement for audiences around the world. The comic book adaptation follows immortal beings who use their inability to die to protect the mortal world and have done for centuries. Headed by Charlize Theron (The Italian Job, Mad Max: Fury Road) and directed by Gina Prince Bythewood, it quickly became a fan favourite. Now, in 2025 the delayed sequel has finally hit streaming and with it, proves there is a lot more to explore in this universe.
What is 'The Old Guard 2' about?
After the events of the first film, Andy (Charlize Theron) adjusts to her knew found mortality and the betrayal by her long-time friend Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), but when an old threat re-emerges to endanger everything she has worked towards, Andy must seek out an old friend in an effort to uncover the truth about her immortal existence.
Unlike its predecessor The Old Guard 2 doesn’t entice you in immediately, instead it falters over many hurdles whilst trying to find its feet. The convoluted atmosphere made it difficult to lock in and understand where exactly this new chapter of the story was headed.
Wooded performances, specially from Andy (Charlize Theron) who almost looked bored in some scenes felt odd, this didn’t help the film come across strong. But when finally paired with Quynh (Veronica Ngo) there was an undeniable light in her eyes. Secondly, overlooked plot development, as in Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) being accepted back into the group with no hesitation, even after his supposedly unforgivable betrayal felt too simple. And thirdly, Nile (Kiki Layne) is revealed to be the destroyer, but there is no explanation as to why or how.
The Old Guard 2 unfortunately fell into that typical trope of; leaving you with a lot more questions than answers. What’s more, new-comers Tuah (Henry Golding) and Discord (Uma Thurman) didn’t feel anywhere near as fleshed out as I needed them to be. Sufficing as plot fillers only, it’s a pity they didn’t get enough time to make more of an impact. Although, seeing Uma Thurman work a sword again was riveting. Kill Bill will always be a cinematic hit. However, in the mix of its unevenness, the relationship between Nicky (Luca Marinelli) and Joe (Marwan Kenzari) returned as strong as ever, they brightened up the screen whenever they were together. Bringing tenderness, vulnerability and its these emotions that become the centre of the final act.
Carrying on with more positive notes, The Old Guard 2 delivered exceptional action scenes. The opening sequence for example taking place in a large mansion with stunning natural light flooding in, fast powered cars driving around as a distraction, overloaded with fire power and great special effects. Further along in the film, there’s swinging battle axes, tasers, some martial arts. It’s got it all. And the pacing keeps fast and moves fluently throughout its snappy 1hr and 45min fun time.
What also gives it an edge is the toe tapping, current pop music soundtrack, complimenting some scenes well.
Is 'The Old Guard 2' worth watching?
The Old Guard 2 naturally deepens its lore with plenty of action, heartfelt reunions and interestingly expands its plot. But all not without its faults. Whilst it struggles to fit in and balance old and new characters, it still makes a fantastic effort at being entertaining. The Old Guard 2 is no-where near as impactful as its predecessor, but somehow it still leaves you wanting more.
'The Old Guard 2' is streaming now on Netflix
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