(Credit: Netflix)

When it comes to topping the charts of Netflix’s top ten, Denzel Washington is no stranger. But this time, it is not a fresh release of the actor which is making headlines, but a blast from the past. It is The Equalizer 2, the 2018 action sequel, which has quietly stormed its way back into the streaming spotlight.

It seems like it was just yesterday when the first part of the film was ranking high on the charts of the platform. And now, as of mid-May, the sequel is sitting comfortably at number four on the platform’s global movie charts and for all good reasons.

Back in the day when it first got released, The Equalizer 2 did not receive unanimous critical acclaim, however, the viewers always had a soft spot for Washington’s portrayal of calm, meticulous ex-intelligence agent, Robert McCall. He is a guy with a rigid moral compass with a taste for stopwatch-timed vengeance. In the sequel, McCall quits his quiet life once again to investigate the brutal murder of his close friend and former handler, Susan Plummer.

Things take a fast turn when what started as a personal mission quickly turns into something bigger. So much so that it drags McCall into digging into his past, forcing him to re-evaluate what he stands for and what justice truly looks like when the system fails.

Unlike the hyper-stylised chaos of modern action thrillers, this film builds every inch of its action with control. Every punch, every stare and every step is calculated and has many hidden layers and holds immense emotional weight. Needless to say, Washington’s performance, as always, is quite magnetic. The way he delivers brutality without making any noise and reaches his purpose without melodrama is the viewers’ favourite part. While all of this feels very raw, it does not fail in giving the audience chills. The film maintains the thrill throughout, even when it seems to touch the familiar genre ground, Washington rescues it with his charming presence.

Part of the second volume’s popularity is the recent release of The Equalizer 3 in late 2024, which reignited the taste of fans in the second part of the franchise. But it would be safe to say that The Equalizer 2 is so much more than just being part of a trilogy watch. In recent times, audiences have not perceived action flicks as brainless watches. They demand characters with depth and not tall hunks who just want to rip the villain off. Viewers demand characters who are flawed, grounded and equally heroic. Someone who they can relate to, someone who rose from the crowd around them to fight the crime.

This film is a great reminder to the audience of the consistent appeal of Washington over the years. And it is yet another reason why the film is topping the charts on Netflix. So if you haven’t watched it yet, it is your sign to watch, and if you have, it is time for a rewatch.