Wonder Watchlist

By Megan Loucks

Ridley Scott is no stranger to transporting audiences with his stories; Bladerunner, Legend, and Alien are prime examples of how his films are feasts for our senses, taking us on journeys we’ve never experienced before. Gladiator II is no different, fully immersing its audience into the political power dynamics and lush life of Roman culture. Scott brings together one of the best ensemble casts of the year to deliver a legacy sequel that not only nobly honors its predecessor but powerfully strengthens its original story.

Strength And Honor

It’s been decades since the death of Maximus from the wounds he received at the hands of Commodus. Rome is ruled by two out-of-control brother Emperors, Geta played by Joseph Quinn, and Caracalla played by Fred Hechinger. Both suffering from impairments from birth at differing levels of severity. The brothers toy with the Roman people while sending their fierce general, trained under Maximus himself, Marcus Acacius played by Pedro Pascal, to conquer lands for Rome. At the beck and call of the Emperors, Acacius travels to the African town of Numidia to claim it in the name of Rome. Refusing to let their lands go without a fight, led by heroic Lucius Verus played by Paul Mescal, they are overwhelmed by the Roman soldiers. Suffering tremendous loss, Lucius is taken as a prisoner to fight as a gladiator, eyeing a new enemy in Acacius.

Quickly, Lucius catches the attention of a wealthy man of ambition, Macrinus, played by Denzel Washington, who takes Lucius as his gladiator, promising him revenge in exchange for his deadly skills. As Lucius reigns victorious in each fight placed before him, plotting within the Emperor’s council starts to stir with the help of Lucilla, played by Connie Nielsen, reprising her role from the first film. While the brother Emperors’ thirst for blood and pageantry rises, gladiatorial games are called to the Colosseum, bringing Lucius face to face with Rome’s elite, some of whom think he is nothing but a ghost. Facing some of his fiercest conflicts inside and outside of the Colosseum, Lucius learns the weight of Maximus’ legacy.

Definition of Lavish Cinema

Furthermore Gladiator II has plenty of praiseworthy aspects, firstly the performances from its cast. Mescal makes his mark in the film as a natural-born leader willing to go all out for his rage; his performance is gripping during those huge action scenes, never faltering in his pursuit. Paired with Washington as the charismatic and often whimsical mentor to Lucius, he brings the most levity with his glaring side eyes and boastful laughs. Pascal is formidable as ever as a seasoned general looking for a less violent life. His love for Rome and its people is seen through an often conflicted performance from Pascal. Nielsen flawlessly slips back into the role of Lucilla, having most of the emotional weight on her shoulders for the film. Quinn and Hechinger are demented emperors going mad; their performances at times are too good, making you love to hate them.

Just as impressive as this film’s ensemble cast is its visuals; each penny spent on Gladiator II is seen through its grand scale of set pieces and luxurious costumes. The film launches audiences back to Roman times seamlessly, particularly during gatherings of councils in large halls decked out with tapestries, statues, and flowing fountains. The detailing on the costumes of each character doesn’t go unnoticed, particularly Geta and Caracalla, dripping in gold accents, decadent jewels, and decorated breastplates. There’s a clear distinction between the better-off citizens of Rome, like Macrinus, who, much like the Emperor, wear the finest clothes, compared to a barbarian like Lucius, who is rarely seen wearing anything not covered in someone’s blood.

Greatest Gladiator Match

The real chef’s kiss of Gladiator II comes in it’s action pieces with Scott going all out in ways he’s always wanted. Filling the colosseum with water and having ship battles with sharks eagerly awaiting a body to be flung into the waters. Rampaging rhino chases garnering the loudest gasps and applauses during our screening. Showing off the dedicated work Mescal, and Pascal put into training for their one on one fights with some of the best sword and board choreography in recent years. Scott ramps up the stakes of each day of the gladiator games, creating stakes that are shown brilliantly through well choreographed action and polished visuals.

John Mathieson captures Gladiator II magnificently in his cinematography, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere from the first shot of the film to the last. Much like his work on the first film, there’s no shortage of breathtaking moments; favorites among them are wide sweeping shots showing the massive scale of armies or the sheer size of Rome’s colosseum. Paired with an inspirational score from Harry Gregson-Williams that is reminiscent of the first film but with an identity of its own, their work elevates each scene, making those high-stakes moments hit even harder.

Take a Shot

Unfortunately Gladiator II suffers in it’s pacing, and its over use of Maximus name drops. These aren’t issues that are overtly glaring and ruin the film, but the pacing particularly during the films first act is not as strong as it’s other two acts. Making some reunions, and conflicts rushed and lacking emotional depths. Lucilla’s character suffers the most from the pacing, hinging most of the conflict on her at times falling flat. There is a drinking game to be had with the name Maximus in Gladiator II, that would lead to a rather nasty hangover. His importance is felt throughout the film by the characters on screen and their reconciling with the past, and doesn’t need the barrage of name drops to prove this.

Overall Gladiator II is a legacy sequel that builds on the story laid before it without tarnishing the prestige of its origin. Each member of the cast shines within the ensemble, easily climbing the ranks of the year’s best. Scott grabs your heart with the opening credits and never relents, even as the end credits roll. There’s no shortage of large-scale action, somber character moments, and heroic declarations, making Gladiator II one of 2024’s best offerings.

Synopsis & Rating

“After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.”

4/5

Want more reviews? Click here!