Isn’t it adorable that Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal share such similar names in the same movie? By the end, you’ll decide if the sequel was necessary or just a vehicle for Denzel Washington. Known for playing sharp, cunning characters, Denzel gives another unforgettable performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for playing manipulative, powerful roles—such as the corrupt Alonzo Harris in Training Day (2001), ruthless drug lord Frank Lucas in American Gangster (2007), and rogue ex-CIA agent Tobin Frost in Safe House (2012). He even turned quiet intensity into a force as Robert McCall in The Equalizer (2014). In every role, Denzel excels at portraying layered, unpredictable characters. As Macrinus, he proves yet again why he’s the master of playing complex and unpredictable characters.

I walked into the theater eager to see Denzel Washington in Gladiator II. The anticipation of his performance was more than enough to pique my  curiosity. As soon as his face appeared on screen, the excitement in the room was palpable. The audience’s cheers and applause were instant—no surprise there.

Washington’s role as Macrinus brings something special to the film that otherwise doesn’t  have many special moments.Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II brings us back to Ancient Rome, where Lucius (Paul Mescal) enters the Colosseum after tyrannical emperors seize his home. Haunted by the loss of Maximus, he fights to reclaim Rome’s honor and secure its future. However, this sequel takes an odd turn. Instead of building on the original story, it mirrors it almost entirely, repeating the same beats from start to finish. 

Washington transforms Macrinus from a villain driven by ambition, power, and revenge into something more complex. The movie hints at a disaster or shipwreck derailing the plan, but instead reveals Lucius wandered off and was adopted by an African community, with no explanation. We can’t help but feel a bit sympathetic toward him, understanding that his dark side comes from deep-seated wounds.

Macrinus reveals more than just a cold heart. He’s surprisingly personable at times—he laughs, shares wine, and even jokes around. But there’s an unmistakable bitterness beneath the surface. As we watch his character slowly unfold, we begin to see that his actions come from a place of hurt, not just greed. 

The way Washington plays this character adds a richness we don’t often get in traditional antagonists. While Gladiator II is supposed to be about Lucius, the son of Maximus, Macrinus steals the spotlight. Paul Mescal plays Lucius well, but his character doesn’t have the same draw. Despite Lucius being the supposed hero, it’s Macrinus who keeps us engaged. His motivations, cunning, and mastery over the power structures around him make him the epicenter of the story.

Denzel Washington Owns #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/72J9jauR5g

— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) November 24, 2024

Macrinus is no stranger to playing the game of power. He knows exactly how to influence those around him without ever showing his cards. He plants seeds of doubt, manipulates those in power, and quietly shapes events—all without drawing attention to himself. Watching him work behind the scenes is as exciting as any battle.

By the time the movie ended, we found ourselves more curious about Macrinus than the rest of the plot. What were the events that shaped him into the man he is? How did he rise to power? The questions left unanswered could easily fill a film of their own, one we’d gladly watch.

The naval battle at the Colosseum stands out, as does the chilling scene where Lucius (Paul Mescal) kills a drugged, possessed monkey, earning him the title of barbarian. One of the best lines comes from Lucius: “Wood or steel, a point is still a point.” However, the film stumbles in a few areas. The story feels uneven, and the past 16 years of Lucius’ life go unexplained. We wonder if Lucilla’s plan was to send him away and never see him again.  The movie hints at a disaster or shipwreck derailing this, but instead, it reveals Lucius wandered off and was adopted by an African community with no explanation. Lucius is upset with his mother for sending him away to save his life, but the film offers no answers about why she never sought him out, leaving us questioning the original plan.

Denzel Washington’s Macrinus kills Emperor Geta behind Emperor Caracalla, but the confusing shot makes it seem like he murders them both. This creates confusion when Caracalla reappears in the next scene. Whether this was intentional or just poor filming is unclear.

For me what really stands out in #GladiatorII is Denzel Washington. One of his BEST performances in a long time and the way he plays his role is fun and you can see he is enjoying himself. #DenzelWashington pic.twitter.com/IU036Knoet

— 🎬🎞️🎥🍿Anthony (@mrfilmstock) November 22, 2024

Overall, Gladiator II delivers a good cinematic experience, maintaining the spirit of the original while forging its own path. The movie offers a lot—great sound design, stunning set pieces, remarkable characters, clear visuals, intense action, powerful moments—but it’s Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus that leaves a lasting impact. He’s the real reason to see this movie, and his performance is what sets it apart. I’ll rate this movie a solid 8.5/10 for its strengths in cinematography and casting, despite its few shortcomings.