The long-awaited sequel to 2018’s Tomb Raider, simply titled Tomb Raider 2 (2024), brings Alicia Vikander back as the iconic Lara Croft in another globetrotting adventure. Directed by Misha Green (Lovecraft Country), the film attempts to expand on its predecessor’s groundwork with bigger action, deeper mythology, and higher stakes. While it delivers exhilarating set pieces and a strong lead performance, it struggles with pacing issues and a somewhat predictable plot.
Plot Summary
Picking up after the events of the first film, Lara Croft has fully embraced her role as an adventurer, uncovering ancient artifacts while running her father’s estate. When a mysterious relic linked to the mythical Spear of Destiny surfaces, Lara is drawn into a race against a ruthless organization led by the mercenary Conrad Roth (Kristofer Hivju). The spear, said to grant invincibility in battle, could tip the balance of power in the wrong hands.
Her journey takes her from the jungles of South America to the icy ruins of Antarctica, facing deadly traps, rival treasure hunters, and supernatural forces. Along the way, she teams up with Lu Ren (Daniel Wu, returning from the first film) and a new ally, Sofia (Shannon Berry), a historian with her own secrets.
Performances: Vikander Shines, but Supporting Cast Underused
Alicia Vikander once again proves she’s the perfect Lara Croft, blending physicality, intelligence, and emotional depth. Her portrayal captures Lara’s evolution from a determined but inexperienced explorer to a seasoned warrior. The action sequences—especially a breathtaking free-climbing scene and a brutal hand-to-hand fight in a collapsing temple—showcase her commitment to the role.
Kristofer Hivju makes for a formidable antagonist, though his character, Roth, feels underdeveloped. He’s more of a generic mercenary than a memorable villain, lacking the depth of previous Tomb Raider foes. Shannon Berry brings charm as Sofia, but her character’s arc feels rushed, and Daniel Wu is sadly underutilized despite his strong presence in the first film.
Action & Set Pieces: High-Octane but Occasionally Overstuffed
The film’s biggest strength is its spectacular action. From a high-speed boat chase through rapids to a trap-filled tomb sequence reminiscent of the games, Tomb Raider 2 delivers the kind of thrilling, death-defying stunts fans expect. A standout moment involves Lara navigating a crumbling labyrinth with shifting walls—an obvious nod to the Tomb Raider game series.
However, some sequences suffer from over-editing, making fights hard to follow at times. The CGI is mostly solid, though a few green-screen moments look noticeably fake, particularly in wide shots of exotic locations.
Story & Pacing: A Fun but Formulaic Adventure
The plot follows a familiar treasure-hunt template: ancient artifact, shadowy organization, cryptic clues, and a ticking clock. While this isn’t necessarily bad—the Tomb Raider franchise thrives on this formula—the script lacks the narrative depth to make it truly stand out. Some reveals feel predictable, and the supernatural elements, while intriguing, aren’t explored enough.
The pacing is uneven, with a slow first act that spends too much time setting up the MacGuffin before diving into the adventure. Once the action kicks in, the film finds its rhythm, but a few scenes drag unnecessarily.
Comparison to Previous Adaptations
Compared to the 2018 reboot, this sequel is more ambitious in scale but loses some of the grounded survival elements that made the first film unique. It leans closer to the Angelina Jolie films in tone—bigger, flashier, and more fantastical—which may please fans of the classic games but might disappoint those who preferred the grittier approach of the reboot.
Final Verdict: A Solid but Unremarkable Sequel
Tomb Raider 2 (2024) is a fun, action-packed ride that delivers exactly what fans want: tombs, traps, and Lara Croft kicking ass. Alicia Vikander remains the heart of the film, and the set pieces are thrilling, even if the story plays it safe. It doesn’t reach the heights of the best adventure films (Indiana Jones, Uncharted), but it’s an entertaining chapter in Lara’s journey.
Rating: 7/10 – Worth Watching for Fans, But Not a Classic
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Fans of the Tomb Raider games (especially the reboot trilogy)
- Viewers who love treasure-hunt adventures
- Anyone who enjoyed the 2018 film and wants more Lara Croft
Who Might Be Disappointed?
- Those expecting deep storytelling or character development
- Critics of CGI-heavy action sequences
- Viewers who prefer the more realistic tone of the first film
Final Thoughts
Tomb Raider 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a solid action-adventure flick with enough excitement to keep audiences engaged. Here’s hoping a potential third film takes bigger risks and delves deeper into Lara’s world.
Would I watch it again? Yes, for the action and Vikander’s performance—but I’d fast-forward through a few slow scenes.
