"The Accountant 2," the sequel to the 2016 action thriller, premiered in theaters on April 25, 2025, and began streaming on Prime Video on June 5, 2025. Ben Affleck reprises his role as Christian Wolff, a math savant with high-functioning autism who leads a double life as a forensic accountant for criminal organizations. Jon Bernthal returns as Braxton, Christian's estranged and equally lethal brother. The film, directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Bill Dubuque, reunites Affleck and Bernthal, leaning heavily into their characters' dynamic.
The plot thickens when an old acquaintance of Christian's is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message: "Find the accountant." This sends Christian on a mission to solve the murder, leading him to recruit Braxton for assistance. Together, they team up with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina, played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson, to uncover a deadly conspiracy. Their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Daniella Pineda joins the cast as Anaïs, adding another layer to the intricate plot.
Several reviews highlight the dynamic between Affleck and Bernthal as a major strength of the film. Their "bloody bromance," as some critics have termed it, brings a unique blend of action and dark humor to the screen. Critics note that the film is at its best during moments of chaos and carnage, where the brothers work together to solve the mystery. The focus on their relationship and the interplay between their contrasting personalities—Christian's stoicism and Braxton's emotional volatility—provides many of the film's most entertaining scenes.
While the action sequences are praised for their intensity and choreography, some reviews point out that the plot is convoluted and, at times, incoherent. The film delves into themes of human trafficking and immigration, but some critics argue that these elements are used exploitatively rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. Despite these criticisms, many viewers find "The Accountant 2" to be an improvement over its predecessor, largely due to the enhanced focus on character development and the comedic chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal.
The film also brings back the school for neurodivergent youth, led by Justine (Allison Robertson), who assist Christian with their elite computer hacking skills. These sequences add another layer to Christian's character, showing his commitment to helping others with similar abilities. However, some critics argue that the film's attempt to incorporate these elements sometimes feels forced or veers into parody, undermining the subtlety that made the first film work.
"The Accountant 2" has garnered generally positive reviews, with a 76% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 199 critics' reviews. The consensus reads, "Improving on the original by leaning into Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal's buddy comedy chemistry, 'The Accountant 2' can safely be filed under a good time at the movies." The film has grossed over $101 million worldwide against an $80 million budget, indicating a moderate box office success. It is now available for streaming on Prime Video, offering a broader audience the chance to witness the action and camaraderie between Affleck and Bernthal's characters.
