Code 8 Part II (2024)
In a world where superpowered people are heavily policed by robots, an ex-con teams up with a drug lord he despises to protect a teen from a corrupt cop.
Code 8: Part II,” released on February 28, 2024, is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 sci-fi thriller “Code 8.” Directed by Jeff Chan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Paré, Sherren Lee, and Jesse LaVercombe, the film continues to explore a dystopian world where individuals with superhuman abilities face systemic oppression.
The narrative picks up five years after the original, focusing on Connor Reed (Robbie Amell), recently released from prison and striving to lead a lawful life as a janitor at a community center. His former associate, Garrett Kelton (Stephen Amell), has ascended to power, running an “ethical” drug operation that exploits the abilities of powered individuals. The plot intensifies when a young girl, Pavani, seeks justice for her brother’s death at the hands of corrupt police officers, compelling Connor and Garrett to confront their pasts and the corrupt system they inhabit.
The ensemble cast includes Sirena Gulamgaus as Pavani, Alex Mallari Jr., Moe Jeudy-Lamour, Aaron Abrams, and Jean Yoon, with Abrams and Mallari reprising their roles from the first film.
The film’s score, composed by Ryan Taubert, enhances the intense and immersive atmosphere.
Upon its release, “Code 8: Part II” garnered mixed reviews. Marya E. Gates of RogerEbert.com awarded it two and a half out of four stars, noting that while the film effectively critiques the militarization of the police state, it falls short in developing its characters, leading to a lack of emotional depth.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 5.7/10, reflecting a range of audience opinions.
“Code 8: Part II” is available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a continuation of the original’s exploration of societal issues through a sci-fi lens.
