The Old Guard 2 Review: Netflix’s Action-Packed Fantasy Was Worth the Wait

It’s been five years since The Old Guard hit Netflix, and it was starting to feel like a follow-up would never come. Written by Greg Rucka and based on his comic series of the same name, the first film followed a group of immortal mercenaries led by Andromache “Andy” of Scythia (Charlize Theron). When a wealthy pharmaceutical executive learns their true nature, Andy’s team is in danger of being experimented on. Meanwhile, the first new immortal in centuries is activated.

With the help of the young immortal, Nile (Kiki Layne), the longtime friends perservere, but Andy loses her healing powers. The film ends on a cliffhanger when Andy’s long-lost partner, Quynh (Veronica Ngô), is revealed to have escaped the underwater prison where she had been held for 500 years.

The Old Guard 2 sees the return of every main character from the first installment, but was it worth the wait?…

The Old Guard 2 Delivers in Almost Every Way

The answer is an emphatic “yes.” If you’re a fan of the 2020 film, you will be thrilled to see these characters back on your screen. While The Old Guard 2 isn’t quite as strong as the first outing, it does a lot to expand the lore while delivering on the action. The movie kicks off with an exciting mission that shows Nile acclimating to her new team. Despite being mortal, Andy hasn’t slowed down when it comes to dangerous situations. Things heat up when the first immortal, Discord (Uma Thurman), sets out to destroy her brethren.

Much like the first film, The Old Guard 2 was clearly made with care. Directed by Victoria Mahoney, the sequel doesn’t feel like it was made to be a “second screen experience,” which is the case for many Netflix originals. The film trusts that its audience has seen the first film, and doesn’t waste time recapping everything that came before. In fact, if you want to fully appreciate the sequel, we recommend getting your eyes back on the first one.

Endless Love, Anyone?

The thing that sets The Old Guard movies apart from other actioners on Netflix is the characters. It’s incredibly rare to get a fleshed-out gay romance in an action film, especially between two men. Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli) are not only deeply in love with each other, but they’re also badass. They met while fighting on opposite sides during the Crusades (where is that prequel, Netflix?!). Neither movie shies away from their relationship, which is refreshing.

Unfortunately, The Old Guard 2 doesn’t give us any kissing like the first outing, but it’s still inherently queer. Joe and Nicky have some personal drama, but in a way that makes them feel like a real couple. You’re never worried their love will waver, but you can relate to their struggles. There’s also the long-awaited reunion between Andy and Quynh. While the films never explicitly say the two women were a couple, they walked the earth together for thousands of years while vowing to always be together. That sounds pretty dang romantic!

Without spoiling anything, Andy and Quynh’s reunion is riddled with sexual tension. Quynh is devastated that Andy gave up searching for her, and Andy isn’t being truthful about her new mortality. If there’s a third one, we are demanding the duo lock lips.

Old and New Characters

While The Old Guard 2 is a welcome addition to the Netflix canon, there are things that could be improved upon. In addition to more kissing, the franchise could stand to do more with James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor). The character had a solid emotional arc in the first film, but he was sidelined this time. Ejiofor is an Oscar-nominated actor who could bring a lot to the table with stronger writing.

The film did do right by Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), who was banished by the immortals for 100 years at the end of the first film. Bringing him back into the fold could have felt forced, but the movie found a satisfying way to include him.

As for the new characters, Thurman is a very fun villain. It’s beyond cool to see the Kill Bill star wield a sword again. Henry Golding also appears in the movie as an immortal named Tuah. He’s mainly there to fill in some historical gaps, but it’s a welcome role in a movie about characters who’ve lived for centuries.

Will There Be an Old Guard 3?

Netflix hasn’t announced The Old Guard 3, but we’re thrilled to report that the sequel sets up a third installment. If the streaming site doesn’t follow through with the sequel’s promise for more, the second film will be effectively ruined. Netflix has something special on its hands with this franchise. If they can get a third one out faster than the second, there could be some real hype from fans.

The biggest complaint we have about The Old Guard 2 is that it can’t be enjoyed on the big screen. The Old Guard 2 is a must-see for anyone who enjoys genre-mixing. It’s got thrilling action, gripping fantasy, and rich romances. Stream it ASAP, because we need Netflix to announce that third film.

The Old Guard 2 hits Netflix on July 2nd.

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