I’m a bit surprised at how well “Gladiator II” manages to carve out a space for itself as a solid continuation of the saga, delivering more action, more bloodshed, and an unapologetically masculine narrative that fans of the original will appreciate. While it doesn’t entirely escape the shadow of Ridley Scott’s 2000 classic, this sequel stands on its own with a blend of rousing spectacle and intense performances, including a genuinely terrific, scene-stealing turn from Denzel Washington.
The story takes place sixteen years after the death of Maximus, centering on Lucius (Paul Mescal), a man who must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home and he is sold to a man named Macrinus (Washington). With a heart full of rage directed towards Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and dangerously power-hungry sibling Emperors (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.
The action sequences are what Scott does best, and they truly shine here. The battles are bloody, violent, and downright thrilling, and there’s no shortage of scenes of brutal gladiatorial fights for the entertainment of Rome’s elite. It’s clear that Scott embraces the visceral thrill of men fighting to the death, and fans who are expecting a wide range of carnage won’t leave disappointed. The fight choreography is exciting, but it’s hard not to giggle at the cartoonish CGI effects (the most ridiculous is a scene where vicious, super fast killer sharks are placed in a water-filled Colosseum and are chasing and eating people underwater). While this over-the-top use of technology sometimes takes you out of the moment, the sheer excitement of the gladiatorial combat makes up for it.
One of the other strengths of the film is the eye-popping costume design. The grandeur and opulence of Ancient Rome are on full display, with gorgeously rendered costumes that are visually stunning and historically resonant. The Colosseum and its battles are as massive as ever, capturing the epic feel of the original film (even if the spectacle is more exaggerated this time around)
I’m predicting that men will gravitate towards this film, especially because it is so unapologetically masculine. There are so many things that will appeal to guys in particular, from a litany of pre-battle speeches that rev up the soldiers’ spirits, countless scenes of very angry men talking about rage, and combat that fuels the bulk of the story’s drama. This testosterone-fueled intensity feels like it’s designed for an audience that relishes the physicality and brutality of the gladiatorial world. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s a film that isn’t afraid to lean into its most primal instincts.
That said, the performances here ground the spectacle. While the story initially feels more interested in the physical aspects of gladiator life like fighting, surviving, and making men do battle for entertainment, the actors add a lot through their performances. Their chemistry and emotional gravitas elevate the material, especially towards the end when the film shifts from pure spectacle to a more meaningful drama.
Since Scott choose to focus more on the action elements than the story, the film’s narrative may not initially be its strongest suit. But as the plot progresses, it does introduce a more compelling story line. There are themes about the values of honor and duty, and Lucius comes full-circle with a personal growth amidst the chaos. It’s satisfying and eventually ties the film together.
In many ways, “Gladiator II” is a sequel that knows exactly what it is: a continuation of a cinematic legacy built on violence, power, and epic battles. It works because it doesn’t force itself to be more than that. The blend of aggressive, macho action with deeper themes of honor and rage serves as a fitting expansion to the world of gladiators, making it a film that works both as a standalone and a continuation. I’ll be the first to admit it: I would welcome an additional sequel.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 