Test your knowledge of The Equalizer 2 with our quiz!

Plot Summary


The film begins on a Turkish railway, 400 miles from Istanbul, where Robert McCall enters the bar cart and shares a drink with a Turkish man named Adam Karst, who has abducted his daughter out of spite for her American mother. Upon realizing McCall’s intentions, the man instructs his henchmen to deal with him. McCall swiftly sizes up his adversaries, sets a timer, and with a series of swift and brutal moves, subdues them all. He ominously approaches the father, offering him a chance to choose an easier path.

Meanwhile, in Boston, a distraught Grace (Tamara Hickey) visits her lawyer’s office, where her daughter awaits her. The emotional reunion sees her embracing her young girl with tears in her eyes.

As McCall adapts to life as a Lyft driver, he often rides with an elderly man named Sam Rubinstein, who is desperately searching for his long-lost sister. One fateful night, McCall takes a young woman named Amy home after she was drugged and assaulted. He promptly takes her to the hospital, before confronting her attackers at their apartment. When the leader attempts to strike him, McCall asserts dominance, injuring all of them before leaving.

In a parallel storyline in Belgium, a man named Mr. Calbert (Antoine de Lartigue) comes home to find his wife, played by Abigail Marlowe, brutally beaten. A trio of thugs—Resnik, Ari, and Kovac—enters and executes her before compelling Mr. Calbert to take a seat, where Resnik forces a gun into his mouth and pulls the trigger.

Later, while at a bookstore, McCall crosses paths with Grace, though she remains unaware of his role as her daughter’s savior. Back at his home, he enjoys a friendly dinner with Susan Plummer, only for them to momentarily forget and reminisce about his late wife Vivian’s birthday.

Noticing vandalism in the garden of a neighbor, Fatima, McCall begins cleaning it up and gets help from Miles Whittaker, a young aspiring artist who frequently interacts with him. Meanwhile, Susan and her colleague, Dave York, are investigating the Calberts’ murder and travel to Belgium for further inquiry.

Susan finds herself attacked in her hotel room by two thugs but bravely defends herself until she is tragically cornered. Receiving a call from Brian, Susan’s husband, McCall learns of her murder and travels to Washington, D.C., for her funeral. As he delves into her death, reviewing hotel footage and photos, he uncovers a web of connections to the Calbert case.

As the investigation unfolds, darkness creeps back into McCall’s life, culminating in confrontation after confrontation with the thugs who have disrupted his world. McCall feels compelled to protect Miles after he learns he was involved in a revenge plot against the murderers of his brother. Knowing he must intervene, he persuades Miles to hide as tensions rise.

A hurricane forces McCall to return to his hometown, where the villains seek him out. A fierce showdown occurs in which McCall uses his skills to eliminate his enemies in cinematic fashion, utilizing a harpoon and explosives to exact his revenge. Ultimately, he confronts Dave atop a tower, leading to a climactic battle that leaves Dave dead and reveals the truth behind the betrayal.

After saving Miles, who has been injured, McCall treats his wounds and reflects on his past, culminating with a poignant mural painted by Miles that captures the essence of McCall’s influence.

In a touching conclusion, Fatima finds that her garden has been restored, and Miles, filled with inspiration, begins bridging friendships through art. Sam Rubinstein is also seen joyfully reuniting with his sister, further highlighting the film’s themes of connection and healing. As the story closes, McCall stands gazing out at the ocean, a visual metaphor of both his past and the potential for a better future.

Timeline


McCall Confronts Kidnapper

The film opens on a Turkish railway, where Robert McCall confronts Adam Karst, a man who has abducted McCall's daughter. In a swift series of brutal moves, McCall neutralizes Adam's henchmen, giving the kidnapper a chance to choose a different path.

Turkish railway, 400 miles from Istanbul

Emotional Reunion in Boston

Meanwhile, in Boston, Grace visits her lawyer's office to reunite with her daughter. Overjoyed and tearful, the mother embraces her young girl, highlighting the emotional depth of their relationship.

Boston

McCall's Life as a Lyft Driver

As McCall adjusts to his new life, he becomes a Lyft driver and often picks up an elderly man named Sam Rubinstein. Sam shares his quest to find his long-lost sister, establishing a poignant connection between the two characters.

Rescue of Amy

One night, McCall drives a young woman named Amy home after she has been drugged and assaulted. He ensures her safety by taking her to the hospital, but soon afterward bravely confronts her attackers in their apartment.

Attacker's apartment

Mr. Calbert's Family Tragedy

In Belgium, Mr. Calbert arrives home to horrifying scenes of violence as he finds his wife brutally beaten. A trio of thugs executes her before forcing Mr. Calbert into the ultimate act of horror by threatening his life.

Belgium

Chance Encounter with Grace

While visiting a bookstore, McCall unexpectedly crosses paths with Grace, who remains unaware of his heroic role in her daughter's life. This moment underscores the intersections of their lives amid the chaos surrounding them.

Bookstore

Dinner with Susan

McCall shares a friendly dinner with Susan Plummer, reminiscing about his late wife, Vivian. This scene adds emotional layers to McCall’s character as he navigates his grief while trying to maintain connections in his life.

McCall's home

Investigating the Calbert Murder

Susan, along with her colleague Dave York, embarks on an investigation into the violent murder of the Calberts. Their search takes them to Belgium, deepening the intrigue as they uncover dark truths behind the crime.

Belgium

Susan's Fatal Encounter

While staying in a hotel, Susan is attacked by two thugs who manage to corner her. Despite her bravery, she is tragically murdered, prompting McCall to dive into the depths of the investigation to uncover the truth.

Hotel in Belgium

McCall's Reinvestigation

After receiving the devastating news of Susan’s death, McCall travels to Washington, D.C., for her funeral. Upon reviewing surveillance footage and photos, he begins to realize the connections linking her murder to the Calbert case.

Washington, D.C.

Protecting Miles

As tensions rise after the tragic events, McCall learns that Miles, a young artist, is entangled in a revenge plot against his brother's murderers. Concerned for Miles' safety, McCall convinces him to hide from the escalating violence.

Showdown in the Hometown

A hurricane disrupts McCall’s life, forcing him back to his hometown. Here, he faces a fierce showdown with the villains, displaying his combat skills and tactical ingenuity to eliminate his foes with cinematic flair.

McCall's hometown

Climactic Confrontation with Dave

The film culminates in a gripping battle on a rooftop where McCall confronts Dave, exposing betrayal and revenge. Their clash is intense, resulting in Dave's death and pivotal revelations about the underlying threats.

Rooftop

Final Reflection and Healing

After successfully saving Miles, McCall takes a moment to tend to his wounds physically and emotionally. The story concludes with an inspiring mural painted by Miles, symbolizing McCall's influence and the connections forged through adversity.

Restoration and New Beginnings

In the heartwarming conclusion, Fatima discovers her garden has been lovingly restored. Meanwhile, Miles embarks on a journey of friendship and art, showcasing the potential for healing and the resurgence of hope in their community.

Characters


Robert McCall (Denzel Washington)

Robert McCall is a former government operative who seeks justice for the oppressed. He is resourceful, skilled, and possesses a strong moral compass, often taking risks to protect others. McCall battles his past traumas while striving to create a safer world for those around him.

🛡️ Hero 🔍 Vigilante 🕵️‍♂️ Protector

Miles Whittaker (Ashton Sanders)

Miles Whittaker is an aspiring artist who finds inspiration and mentorship in McCall. Through his interactions with McCall, he navigates his grief and seeks revenge for his brother's murder. His character embodies the struggle between vengeance and healing as he learns to channel his pain into art.

🎨 Artist 💔 Grief ✊ Strength

Grace (Tamara Hickey)

Grace is a mother grappling with the emotional burden of separation from her daughter. Her character reflects the resilience of parental love amid trauma. Her reunion with her daughter serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 😢 Emotion 💞 Love

Susan Plummer (Melissa Leo)

Susan Plummer is a dedicated investigator whose fierce determination often puts her in perilous situations. She is resourceful and brave, but her tragic fate serves as a catalyst for McCall's quest for justice. Susan's character embodies the complexities faced by those who seek truth in dangerous environments.

🕵️‍♀️ Investigator ⚖️ Justice 🦸‍♀️ Strength

Fatima (Sakina Jaffrey)

Fatima is a neighbor who represents community resilience. Through her connection with McCall, she showcases the power of support in healing. Her character highlights the importance of maintaining one's surroundings and relationships, contributing to the overarching theme of connection.

🌼 Community 💪 Resilience 🏡 Neighbor

Setting


Time period

The film appears to take place in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as crime and personal struggles. The characters navigate their lives amidst current events, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of their situations. As they deal with trauma and vengeance, the story resonates with today's audience, intertwining personal stories with broader societal themes.

Location

Istanbul, Boston, Belgium, Washington, D.C.

The movie traverses multiple locations, starting with a Turkish railway 400 miles from Istanbul, known for its scenic views and travel history. In Boston, the storyline explores the emotional depths of urban life, reflecting the city's vibrant culture and struggles. Meanwhile, Belgium serves as a backdrop for darker events, contrasting with the safer environments. The journey also leads to Washington, D.C., a city bustling with governmental activity and personal tragedies.

🌍 Locations 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇺🇸 USA 🇧🇪 Belgium

Themes


⚔️

Vengeance

Vengeance is a central theme as characters seek justice for wrongdoings. McCall's journey reflects the need to combat evil and take a stand against injustice. The film explores the cost of revenge, revealing its complexities and moral dilemmas. This theme resonates deeply, showcasing the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

🌊

Healing

Healing emerges as a poignant theme throughout the film, particularly in McCall's relationships. The restoration of Fatima's garden symbolizes growth and recovery, while Miles’ art serves as a means of processing trauma. The characters undergo transformations, finding solace and connection in their shared experiences, embodying hope and renewal.

👥

Connection

Connection between characters is vital, illustrated through friendships and familial ties. The emotional reunion between Grace and her daughter emphasizes the importance of relationships. McCall’s interactions with Sam and Miles show how shared struggles can forge deeper bonds, reminding viewers of the strength found in community and support.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.