Ridley Scott returns to bloody greatness with an ass-kicking sword and sandals sequel that will surely slay the winter box office. Gladiator II recaptures the thrilling epic violence, Machiavellian ruthlessness, and superb lead performances that made the original a Best Picture winner. It unabashedly follows the exact narrative beats without significant deviations. What happens in the first film gets a steroid upgrade here with bigger and bolder execution. Thankfully, there are several third act surprises that spice up the plot and prevent a feeling of cinematic dj vu.

Set almost 20 years after Maximus' (Russell Crowe) death, Hanu (Paul Mescal) wakes up in bed with his beloved Arishat (Yuval Gonen). Their morning afterglow is interrupted by a piercing call to arms. Numidia, a settlement on Africa's northern coast, is under attack. The couple don their armor and race to the sea fort to prepare for invaders. Roman ships are hurtling towards them.