Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman get half a movie

Uma Thurman in a scene from “The Old Guard 2” (Netflix)

About 80 minutes into “The Old Guard 2,” you may start to wonder how it’s going to wrap up. Charlize Theron’s gang of immortal warriors is scattered and facing extinction, and she still hasn’t confronted the new villain, Discord – the supposed first immortal– played by Uma Thurman.

The promise of a showdown between The Bride and Furiosa doesn’t quite justify the sequel’s existence, now streaming on Netflix, but it adds intrigue. And while they do fight– briefly– the movie soon does something stranger: it simply stops mid-climax. There’s no ending, no “continue watching” option, and no clear promise of “The Old Guard 3.”

This might be an intentional nod to the endlessness of immortality– what is an ending, after all? But unlike the first film, which left room for a sequel, this one feels like only half a movie.

A notable change behind the scenes is the switch in directors, with Victoria Mahoney taking over from Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film, written by Greg Rucka and Sarah L. Walker, opens with an energetic sequence – a chase and fight scene that reintroduces characters and stakes.

Unfortunately, the film never recaptures that spark. It slips into a repetitive meditation on time, death, and Andy’s lost powers, which verge on “Face/Off”-level absurdity. Thurman, however, is magnetic as the villain.

“The Old Guard 2” is watchable– a passable background movie with moments of emotion, especially from standout Matthias Schoenaerts. But its biggest failing is the lack of resolution. A well-crafted cliffhanger can build anticipation. This one may just provoke frustration. In 2025, audiences deserve more. MDT/AP

“The Old Guard 2,” a Netflix release now streaming, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “sequences of graphic violence and some language.” Running time: 105 minutes. ★★★★