Gladiator II ★★★★

Released: 15 November 2024

Director: Sir Ridley Scott

Starring: Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger

Director of an exhilarating original. Adversary to select disgruntled historians. And he will have his sequel. Thankfully in this life. Not the next. At the ripe old age of 86, Sir Ridley Scott is still showing tremendous fight within the directorial arena.

Only right then, that he returns to the majestic deafening confines of the Colosseum to usher in a new hero already widely declared as their own ‘Roman Empire’, in Paul Mescal. But is this contender… Readyyy? No need for the crowds to hold the rapturous applause here. Gladiator II may indeed lack Maximus, yet compensates handsomely with its maximalist approach in this rousing continuation.

There was once a dream that was Rome, you say? Well, two decades on it is in tatters. Once side by side with his regal mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), as they witnessed the dramatic downfall of Emperor Commodus. Now all grown-up, Lucius (Mescal) has seemingly cut ties. He resides in the increasingly vulnerable Roman province of Numidia, a prime target for the conflicted General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) who has grown disillusioned acting on behalf of the deranged pairing, that is Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracella (Fred Hechinger).

Left enraged by their exercise in power. It sets Lucius on the road back to the Colosseum, bereft of the royal treatment he was once accustomed to. Instead, primed to be a battle-hardened ‘instrument’ for former slave turned powerhouse Macrinus (Denzel Washington), as he looks to weaponize Lucius’ own grievances and capitalise on the fragility of Rome’s political system amidst a wealth of corruption.

Not settling for a serviceable legacy sequel. The overriding feeling with Gladiator II is this is Ridley’s grand statement at condemning the maniacal nature of modern-day politics, within a bygone arena that emboldens you to be clinical. The visceral jabbing of ears, like we need our own set drained of such tyranny as blood pours out, mirroring the ‘red sea’ of those whose heartache we have become almost numb to. The jarring image of a lavishly dressed woman afforded a higher platform, only to have their hands tied. This illusion of choice as well as empowerment. It is all frightfully reminiscent of the current climate, overrun by weaselly, immature men rewriting history without fear of consequence, whose own warped sense of reality poisons the minds of the masses.

This arguably feeds into the spectacle on display within the arena. Rhinos charging in. Sharks hunting down their prey. For all the criticism directed Ridley’s way at historical inaccuracy, maybe that’s the point? Those looking to oppress us, conjuring up outlandish claims and imagery in a high-stakes bid to normalise them.

Through such narrative expansion. It just falls short of being the lean storytelling machine its predecessor was, with the emotional heft somewhat diminished. And yet, rather like his leading man as he’s left to row alone in one gutsy sequence. It’s this sheer force of will from Ridley that still carries Gladiator II to great heights. Occasional hindrance courtesy of shaky CGI aside. The lavish production value is to die for, creating a thrilling, immersive experience that fittingly peaks during its heated physical battles.

Well versed in consistently pushing our emotional buttons through his indie sensibilities. Now tasked with flexing his action man muscles, whilst retaining that sensitivity which has been the foundation for such acclaim. In the early frames. The character arc for Paul Mescal’s Lucius despite initial tension generated with a game Pedro Pascal, may not immediately grab you as the film hops between multiple plot strands. However, once Ridley assembles all the pieces. The immense weight of carrying this sequel on his shoulders starts to alleviate, allowing him to grow in stature as he brilliantly pits his wits against his esteemed ensemble.

Like the tigers who wreaked havoc back in 2000, whilst echoing his run-ins with Shakespeare. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery deliciously as the side-eyeing supremo Macrinus, in what is an outstanding turn. Piling on the mischief are Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, who although make entertaining spectacles of themselves as Emperors Geta and Caracella, you are still left craving more of their crazed pet monkey-aiding antics. Meanwhile Connie Nielsen remains a captivating presence as Lucilla, elegantly conveying the hardship and sacrifice that has gone into retaining a sense of integrity within a poisoned Rome.

Befitting of our times. Gladiator II is a deliberately showier follow-up, encouraging its spectators to be more cutthroat in their own takedown of those who wield power, that still never skimps on the entertainment value. Ridley’s best in years? Thumbs up.