‘Greenland 2: Migration’ Holds No Punches
If you’ve seen one action film, you’ve seen them all, amirite? As someone who loves and watches a lot of films, action isn’t always one of my favorites. Don’t get me wrong, I love the superhero genre, which is technically action; however, traditional action films tend not to impress me. There are only so many car chases and explosions you can do before it all starts to feel tired. That being said, every once in a while, one comes along that impresses me, leaving an impact on me long after the credits roll, much like Greenland 2: Migration.
As a self-proclaimed post-apocalyptic disaster-thriller, this Lionsgate film has an unbelievable amount to unpack, with not much time to do so. Clocking in at just over an hour and a half, Greenland 2: Migration has a significant amount of ground to cover, both geographically and story-wise. Director Ric Roman Waugh (Angels Have Fallen, Greenland) reunites with writer Chris Sparling (joined by lol Mitchell LaFortune) to bring a worthwhile conclusion to John Garrity and his family. While the film isn’t perfect, Greenland 2: Migration has much to appreciate and even more to enjoy.
[Warning: spoilers from Greenland 2: Migration are below!]
An inhospital world breathes new life in Greenland 2: Migration
Life has settled for John Garrity (Gerard Butler), which might be an odd thing to say when you consider that the world faced a cataclysmic event. However, five years after the comet Clark collided with Earth, destroying most of civilization as we know it, life has continued for those who made it to bunkers located across the world.
Working as a scout on the inhospitable surface, as well as an engineer keeping life going in the bunker, John has much to be thankful for. His wife, Allison (Morena Baccarin), who is working as a leader in the bunker, and his son, Nathan (Roman Griffin Davis), are safe and sound. While life might be boring, something that Nathan struggles with, life will continue on, inside the safety of the bunker, and nothing will change that.
That is… until the Earth takes matters into its own hands. While the bunkers were designed to withstand most apocalyptic situations, they aren’t a match for earthquakes of seismic proportions. As the walls come collapsing down around them, the Garritys have to make a choice, and quickly. Stay and attempt to rebuild life at the bunker, or make a dangerous trek across the world for hope of a better tomorrow.
While no one in Greenland knows for sure, there are rumors that life has begun anew at Clark’s impact site. Although the journey to get there is easier said than done. There’s a ticking clock in which John has to get his family to safety, even if there’s no guarantee that life will be better within the crater. However, as a father, there’s nothing John won’t do for his family. While each step brings them closer to a brighter future, it also pushes them towards danger. Flooded cities, feuding people, and a world ruled by chaos instead of order, there’s no end to the obstacles this family must face.
A moving story of family and duty
As I said earlier, all action movies tend to blur together after a while. There are only so many car chases and firefights before you become bored with the genre. Perhaps I’m in the minority with this sentiment, but having watched a plethora of films throughout my lifetime, and career as a journalist for that matter, I need something else mixed in with the action. This is why Greenland 2: Migration is perhaps one of the best action films I’ve seen recently, if not one of my all-time favorites.
I know…that’s a bold statement; however, Greenland 2: Migration does something that so many other action movies don’t: it moved me. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought this film would give me the depth that it did, which was both a shock and a welcome surprise. While there is plenty of action-packed into the 90 minutes, what Greenland 2 actually prioritizes is the relationships between Jack and his family, especially as he navigates constantly changing environments.
At its core, it’s a film about the sacrifices one will go to protect the ones they love, which is where the tension and anxiety actually come from. Audiences get an intimate look into the internal struggle that goes on in one’s mind when their back is against the wall. John doesn’t have a choice but to move forward because time isn’t on his side. His only goal is to get his family to safety, which ultimately leads to more desperation throughout the film. Butler’s character seems on the verge of a panic attack by the end of Greenland 2: Migration, furthering the tension but ultimately adding to the emotion of the film.
As Allison learns more about what is going on, the emotion builds. There’s an acceptance between everyone as they get closer to the crater, which comes with some intense emotions. Where most films would set aside intense emotions for action sequences, Greenland 2: Migration genuinely embraces them. It doesn’t shy away from the story’s humanity; instead, it highlights the realism of a journey through loss and the grief that comes with it.
While the world is falling apart (again), which is intense enough, this film focuses on how the characters fall apart instead. It’s a rather personal story within a larger dystopian world, reminiscent of The Walking Dead or The Last of Us. However, Greenland 2: Migration dives even deeper, creating a film that left me in tears because of how intimate and real the emotions and relationships felt.
Final thoughts on Greenland 2: Migration
A lot of the film’s depth comes from the acting of Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin, whose chemistry defines Greenland 2: Migration. While there is a level of depth that you gain from seeing the first film (which I hadn’t until after seeing this one), watching this film from Lionsgate on its own is just as enjoyable. There’s much to appreciate from the action, as this film is absolutely brutal in some of these scenes, but truly, it’s the story that makes Greenland 2: Migration a must-see.
Greenland 2: Migration is currently in theaters and available for rent or purchase digitally! Have you watched this film yet? What did you think? Let us know on social media @bsb.insider!
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