The Old Guard 2 Parent Guide
The lack of a conclusion makes this a disappointing film.
Parent Movie Review
Andy (Charlize Theron) and her crew of immortal warriors have settled into their new lives as protectors of humanity aided by the resources of the CIA. As they take down arms dealers, the team discover a shadowy figure who seems to have a hand in every international crime ring, and who they have reason to believe might also be an immortal. Known as Discord (Uma Thurman), this ancient immortal threatens to tear the group apart – and then an old friend Andy thought was lost forever reappears.
One of the most annoying things a movie can do is pretend to be something it’s not. In this case, The Old Guard 2 pretends to be a whole movie, when at best it’s half of one. That really stings because the first two acts are enjoyable, but the third act is merely a setup, lacking a conclusion. This film is not a standalone story - not because you need to see the original (I didn’t and was able to follow the plot just fine) - but because the conclusion comes in the next installment.
When I’m not frustrated by the movie’s structure, I really like the premise of this franchise, and I think the actors are fantastic. The action is well choreographed and shot, and the characters’ healing powers are used in creative ways. The writers do a fine job delving into the true price of immortality and exploring what that burden can do to a person. Unfortunately, they forgot to develop a full plot to go along with those ideas, or to give their villain coherent motivations or a clear plan. These failures are particularly disappointing because this a high-quality production, right up until the final act, when it felt like the rug was pulled out from under me.
High volumes of violence make The Old Guard 2 unsuitable for many audiences, but even fans of the franchise are sure to be disappointed by what feels like a cheap trick. I’d recommend skipping this one and just reading a plot synopsis to get caught up once the third installment is released. That will be a much better use of your time.
Directed by Victoria Mahoney. Starring Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts. Running time: 105 minutes. Theatrical release July 2, 2025. Updated July 3, 2025
About author
Watch the trailer for The Old Guard 2
The Old Guard 2
Rating & Content Info
Why is The Old Guard 2 rated R? The Old Guard 2 is rated R by the MPAA for sequences of graphic violence, and some language.
Violence: Individuals are repeatedly shot, stabbed, and fall from great heights. A man’s thumb is cut off. Characters use a variety of weapons including guns, swords, knives, and axes.
Sexual Content: There is one mild sexual reference.
Profanity: The script contains three sexual expletives and six moderate profanities.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol in some scenes, sometimes to excess. There is a discussion of hangovers and drunkenness.
Page last updated July 3, 2025
The Old Guard 2 Parents' Guide
How does Quynh and Andy’s relationship change through the course of the story and how does that reflect on who they are as people?Home Video
Related home video titles:
This Netflix series begins with which introduces viewers to the characters.
Swashbuckling adventure and a quest for immortality come together in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The burdens of immortality are front and center in the romantic drama The Age of Adaline.
Desperate to cheat death, people pursue a star in Stardust and capture a mermaid in The King’s Daughter.