Gladiator 2 (2024)

Release Date: Novemeber 15, 2024
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn

Confession time: I consider myself a seasoned critic of questionable movie picks (preferably with a cocktail in hand), but Gladiator 2 had me nervous. How do you follow up one of the most epic historical dramas of all time without getting crushed under Maximus’s metaphorical sandals? Well, Ridley Scott is back, bringing his A-game, and even though this sequel doesn’t quite reach instant classic status, it’s a thrilling, blood-soaked ride that reminds us why we fell in love with Rome’s drama in the first place.

Rome: Bigger, Bloodier, and Sharkier

Picking up 16 years after the original, Gladiator 2 drags us back into the chaos of ancient Rome—and boy, it’s messier than ever. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, the nephew of the late Commodus (RIP to that gloriously unhinged maniac). (RIP, you gloriously unhinged maniac). Now a family man, Lucius gets swept up in a plot involving slavery, gladiator fights, and political intrigue. Cue the baboons (yes, literal baboons), sharks, and the usual Roman excess, because if there’s one thing Ridley Scott loves, it’s reminding us that ancient Rome was equal parts fascinating and deranged. Paul Mescal absolutely steals the show as Lucius, delivering a performance that is both physically commanding and emotionally resonant. Mescal has transformed himself into a formidable gladiator, and his commitment shines in every fight scene. From intense hand-to-hand combat in a senator’s villa to the spectacle of him facing off against wild animals in the Colosseum, Mescal grounds these over-the-top moments with a sense of humanity and determination that’s impossible not to root for.

What really sets Mescal apart, though, is his ability to bring depth to Lucius’s journey. As he transitions from a sheltered young man to a battle-hardened fighter, he captures the character’s internal conflict and growing resolve with a subtlety that makes his arc feel authentic and earned. He channels vulnerability and grit in equal measure, reminding viewers that while Lucius may wield a sword like a pro, he’s still a man grappling with immense personal loss and the weight of Rome's corruption.

The Ensemble Steals the Spotlight

Unlike its predecessor, Gladiator 2 isn’t anchored entirely on Lucius. Instead, it’s more of an ensemble piece, and honestly, that’s where it shines. Denzel Washington is an absolute force as Macrinus, a former slave-turned-scheming villain. Watching Denzel chew scenery as a Machiavellian mastermind is pure joy. He’s ruthless, charismatic, and the kind of bad guy you secretly root for because, let’s face it, he’s cooler than everyone else.

Then there’s Pedro Pascal as Lucilla’s new husband, a sympathetic Roman general who just can’t catch a break. His dynamic with Lucius—best described as “strained, with swords”—adds some serious emotional weight, culminating in a gut-punch of a showdown.

Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger play Rome’s latest pair of emperor brothers who make Commodus look like a model citizen. These two bring a next-level brand of depravity, proving once again that absolute power + ancient Rome = utter madness.

Action: Sharks, Rhinos, and (You Guessed It) Gladiators

Ridley Scott doesn’t hold back on the action here. If you thought the original Gladiator was intense, prepare yourself. Lucius fights everything—baboons, sharks, rhinos—because why not? The arena battles are grander, bloodier, and more over-the-top, bordering on superhero territory. Sure, it’s a bit ridiculous, but when the choreography is this slick, who’s complaining?

One standout sequence involves Lucius battling his way through a flooded Colosseum in a naumachia (aka, a naval battle because Romans were nothing if not extra). It’s chaotic, brutal, and easily one of the most inventive set pieces in a movie this year.

That said, some of the action leans into spectacle at the cost of realism. Maximus felt like a man fighting for his life; Lucius occasionally feels like he’s auditioning for the Roman Avengers.

Nostalgia Done Right

One of the smartest moves here is how much Gladiator 2 ties itself to the original. The animated opening sequence is a clever way to catch audiences up on Maximus’s saga, while moments of Hans Zimmer’s iconic score weave seamlessly into Harry Gregson-Williams’s new compositions. Even the visuals—courtesy of returning DP John Mathieson—feel like they belong to the same gritty, sun-drenched world as the first film. Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi’s returns only deepen that sense of continuity.

But Scott doesn’t just retread old ground. He’s crafted a darker, more depraved Rome, with the Colosseum’s spectacles mirroring the empire’s crumbling morality. It’s still a Ridley Scott epic, after all—grand, operatic, and just a touch too long.

Final Thoughts

Gladiator 2 isn’t the game-changing masterpiece its predecessor was, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a visually stunning, adrenaline-packed historical epic that does justice to its legacy. Mescal, Denzel, and the rest of the cast bring their A-game, while Scott reminds us why he’s the king of this genre.

Sure, some parts feel rushed (Lucius’s arc could’ve used more room to breathe), and the superhero-like action might not be for everyone. But with its stellar ensemble, jaw-dropping set pieces, and just enough nostalgia to make you teary-eyed, it’s one of the most entertaining films of the year.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8 out of 10 stars)

Until next time, keep your drinks strong, your battle cries loud, and your baboon pits far away. Cheers! 🥂