The Accountant 2
Returning to the world of Christian Wolff, Ben Affleck once again brings his signature blend of precision, detachment and quiet intensity to The Accountant 2. Nine years after the original film, Gavin O’Connor’s sequel finds its footing in a contemporary landscape, delving into the grim realities of human trafficking networks operating across the Americas. This timely backdrop adds depth and urgency, transforming the film from a straightforward action thriller into a work that resonates with real-world concerns.
The movie maintains a robust rhythm with its no-nonsense narrative and well-executed action sequences. However, occasional missteps disrupt the momentum, notably an extended sequence featuring Braxton (Jon Bernthal) lounging about his opulent Berlin hotel room that is visually indulgent but offers nothing in terms of character development or the feature. In contrast, Wolff’s line-dancing interlude at a local bar provides a welcome moment of levity.
With a bigger role than the original film, Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) is an effective counterweight to the film’s morally ambiguous protagonists. Addai-Robinson’s performance balances earnestness with a steely resolve, particularly in her interactions with Wolff when they first meet. In contrast, the movie’s handling of the mysterious contract killer Anaïs (Daniella Pineda) falls flat. The over-reliance on amnesia as a plot device feels worn out, and Anaïs’s arc becomes predictably clichéd. Similarly, Braxton’s character is stripped of the depth he displayed in the first film despite the narrative’s efforts to delve into his and Christian’s shared past.
Certain subplots verge on overindulgence – scenes featuring students from the Harbor Neuroscience Academy, especially those centred around hacking activities, come too close to the spectacle typical of Marvel productions. These moments take away from the saga’s otherwise meticulous world-building, introducing elements that feel out of place within its grounded framework. But the action remains fastidiously choreographed, showcasing the brothers’ combat prowess and the same mathematical precision of Wolff’s intellect. Each confrontation is a balanced mix of strategic thinking and physical dexterity, delivering both intrigue and viscerality, with only the climactic showdown in Mexico veering into video game territory.
Though not without its flaws, the action-thriller is a fitting, topical follow-up to its predecessor. With Affleck’s consistent performance anchoring the film, The Accountant 2 remains a worthwhile watch.
Christina Yang
The Accountant 2 is released nationwide on 25th April 2025.
Watch the trailer for The Accountant 2 here:
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