Gladiator II (2024)

In Gladiator 2, Ridley Scott returns to the epic with a resounding bang, reclaiming his legacy after the stumbles of Napoleon and the nihilistic complexities of the Prometheus saga. While this approach is commonplace in his filmography, this time he manages to hit the nail on the head.

In ‘Gladiator 2’, the plot moves forward some 16 years after the death of Maximus. We now follow Lucius (Paul Mescal), who, after years of exile, returns to Rome and takes on the Colosseum as a gladiator, attempting to restore the splendour of an empire in decline.

More than a mere blockbuster, the sequel has enough sense and authenticity to appeal to new audiences without losing sight of its roots.

While some characters and decisions may generate some dissonance, Scott and his team's effort to infuse the project with soul is evident.

However, the shadow of the original film is hard to overcome: while Gladiator 2 is ambitious and expansive, it lacks the striking simplicity that made the first film great. Moreover, its attempt to be contemporary, inclusive and less tied to the male stereotypes of the past robs it of some of the intensity that characterised Maximus.

Lucio, with a less defined conflict and a less epic ‘origin’ story, fails to match the charisma of his predecessor. His leadership is less credible and, as a central character, this affects the strength of the plot to some extent.

Denzel Washington's arc stands out notably and is arguably the film's best, while Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the twin emperors provide uneven stories, with the caricaturing of the latter making one miss the haunting presence of Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix in the original.

In terms of action and visual effects, Scott maintains his grandiose style. Combat scenes are intense and visually stunning, and the director, true to his style, incorporates clever and creative details that continue to surprise.

‘Gladiator 2 more than lives up to expectations, being a worthy sequel that will appeal to new generations and even to those who were indifferent at the time.