Movie Review: The Accountant 2 (2025)

The Accountant 2 returns with more muscle, mischief, and sibling mayhem, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor. While the sequel ups the ante in terms of action and humor, it stumbles a bit in its attempt to weave together multiple subplots, occasionally resulting in a fragmented narrative. Still, thanks to some brilliant performances and one standout action sequence, it manages to be an entertaining—if uneven—ride.

Ben Affleck reprises his role as Christian Wolff, the socially withdrawn yet highly skilled accountant-assassin hybrid. This time, however, the spotlight is shared more equally with Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as Christian’s brother, Braxton. Making Bernthal a co-lead proves to be one of the film’s smartest choices. His blend of dry wit, imposing presence, and surprisingly heartfelt moments brings a refreshing dynamic to the story. Bernthal’s portrayal of Braxton is arguably his best performance since The Punisher, oscillating between emotionally wounded sibling and brutal enforcer with remarkable ease.

The chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal is a major highlight. Their brotherly banter, conflicting philosophies, and eventual camaraderie add weight to the film’s emotional core. Unfortunately, the rest of the storyline isn’t quite as tightly knit. The film juggles a number of disconnected threads—corporate conspiracies, government operations, and familial trauma—which struggle to converge meaningfully. As a result, the pacing occasionally falters and the emotional stakes become muddled.

Another notable weakness is the film’s antagonistic lineup. Instead of a central villain with real menace, we’re given a handful of forgettable “micro-villains,” each lacking depth or narrative significance. The absence of a truly compelling adversary robs the story of tension and focus. In contrast to the strong character work around Wolff and Braxton, the villains feel underdeveloped and expendable.

Yet, what the film lacks in narrative coherence, it tries to compensate for in execution. The action scenes, though sparingly used, are expertly crafted. The standout is without question the Juarez shootout—a masterclass in tension, choreography, and raw intensity. Depending on what the rest of the cinematic year brings, it may very well be one of the best action set pieces of 2025.

As with the original, The Accountant 2 doesn’t rely solely on explosions or body counts. It carves out space for quieter moments that deepen character arcs, particularly between the Wolff brothers. These scenes offer viewers a chance to connect emotionally with characters who are otherwise defined by violence and calculation.

Technically, the film could have benefited from tighter editing and more focused storytelling. The script introduces intriguing concepts, but the execution lacks the polish to tie everything together smoothly. A more streamlined plot and better-integrated subplots would have elevated the sequel to the level of the first film.

Verdict:
While The Accountant 2 doesn’t surpass the original, it still offers enough thrills, character development, and standout moments to justify its existence. Bernthal and Affleck make a terrific duo, and the action—when it hits—is explosive and memorable. Despite its narrative shortcomings, the film delivers a solid dose of entertainment with flashes of brilliance.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
✅ Strong performances
✅ Memorable action scenes
❌ Weak villains
❌ Disjointed subplots