Code 8: Part II is a forthcoming science fiction action film from Canada set for release in 2024. It is the sequel to the 2019 cult classic, Code 8. Jeff Chan resumes directing work for the film, and Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell reprise their roles as Connor Reed and Garrett Kelton, respectively. The film further develops the dystopian world where ‘Powereds’ live under systemic oppression, deepening the world’s social commentary, increasing the emotional stakes and action, and adding conflict of a technological nature.
Synopsis
Set some years after the chronicles of the first film, this installment takes place in a Lincoln City that has largely stopped employing the use of Guardian drones to patrol its streets, following civil unrest coupled with controversial policing strategies. The government now uses robotic K9 units. These machines, marketed as non-lethal, are still used to surveil and exert control over lower-income and densely populated neighborhoods, which serve as homes to many Powereds.
Connor Reed, the electrically powered man from the previous film, is now trying to lead a low-profile life after serving prison time. He works as a janitor at a youth community center owned by Mina, a kind-hearted advocate who cares for the underprivileged. He does not want to return to his old life and is determined to keep out of trouble.
On the contrary, Garrett Kelton, now a powerful telekinetic and former ally of Connor, has become a de facto crime boss. Operated from a large residential building referred to as The Towers, he heads an organized and “ethical” drug trade based on spinal fluid extraction from Powereds, which is used to manufacture the potent substance known as Psyke. While Garrett does pay his suppliers and attempts to maintain some order in the business, he is still deeply rooted in the criminal underworld.
The story begins when an orphaned girl, Pavani (Pav for short), attempts to rob Garrett’s operation along with her brother to sustain themselves. Pav’s sibling is captured by the corrupt Sergeant Kingston, who murders him and covers it up as a drug overdose. While escaping, Pav employs her technopathic skills to disable one of the robotic K9 units.
Pav is sheltered at the community center, which is under the guard of Connor and Mina. Connor approaches Garrett for help, seeking to erase Pav’s memories of her brother’s death, but the process is already halted midway when Connor realizes the emotional burden it would impose on Pav. His act of opposing the procedure reignites the battle Connor has trying to escape the criminal conflicts he wished to leave behind.
With Kingston increasing the tempo of his pursuit with K9s and freshly reactivated Guardian drones, Pav, Connor, and Garrett find themselves bound together in a forced partnership. During an ambush, Mina succumbs to injuries, enabling the remaining trio to flee. In their final attempt to bring down Kingston, they recover a K9 unit holding data and footage of Kingston’s illegal activities, including his extrajudicial murders.
With her powers, Pav and Connor override the robot’s security features, permitting them to stream the footage for public viewing. Kingston faces arrest, the K9 program is put on hold, Garrett goes back to jail, and Connor assumes command of the community center in remembrance of Mina. Pav stays with Connor as a symbol of hope and defiance.
Main Cast & Characters
Robbie Amell as Connor Reed: A former criminal with electrical powers, now seeking redemption.
Stephen Amell as Garrett Kelton: A powerful telekinetic crime lord walking a fine line between survival and morality.
Sirena Gulamgaus as Pavani (Pav): A 14-year-old Powered girl with the ability to manipulate machines and technology.
Alex Mallari Jr. as Sergeant Kingston: A ruthless law enforcer who abuses his power under the guise of public safety.
Jean Yoon as Mina: Director of the community center and a key moral compass in the film.
Aaron Abrams as Detective Davis: One of the few honest cops trying to expose Kingston’s crimes.
Themes & Social Commentary
Part II of Code 8 continues from where its predecessor left off and examines systemic injustice, policing, surveillance, and redemption. It draws parallels to real world issues like racial profiling, power abuse, and poverty.
Surveillance & Policing: The shift from drones to K9 units mark a change in the form oppression takes, but the same function is maintained. These robots, regardless of being labeled “non-lethal,” still act as instruments of control and fear.
Redemption & Fatherhood: Connor’s story arc is more personal in this sequel, emotionally unifying him with Pav and marking him as a surrogate father for wanting to protect her.
Power & Responsibility: Garrett’s evolution into a drug kingpin is more nuanced than might appear at surface level. While he believes he is aiding Powered individuals to survive, his actions do come at an ethical price.
Youth as Hope: Pavani embodies a younger generation looking to shatter broken systems. In the digital age, her final act of broadcasting the truth serves as strong metaphor for youthful defiance.
Production & Release
The second film was shot in the same Toronto, Canada, where the first movie was filmed. The production team, which included the Amell cousins, purposefully chose to film in the suburbs where they grew up. This brought a layer of authenticity to the project.
The sequel was financed independently before Netflix picked it up for distribution. Although lack of funds is apparent in certain visual effects, effective cinematography, thorough acting, and meaningful direction elevate the film above its low-budget sci-fi peers.
Cinematography & Score
The urban scenery of Lincoln City is inscribed with a gritty realism by director Jeff Chan and Schneider Marie Davignon. The subdued color palette and tight framing work together to reinforce the story’s grounded tone. Ryan Taubert returns with a score that blends electronic and orchestral elements during action and emotional moments, elevating them.
Critical Reception
Reviewers praised the social themes, performances, and expanded scope while providing constructive criticism. The general consensus was that the tone and universe of the original film was preserved throughout. Robbie Amell and Sirena Gulamgaus delivered standout performances that have captured the attention of many.
On the other hand, some reviewers considered the plot overly predictable and the pacing uneven, especially in the central act. Others pointed out that there was insufficient meaningful character evolution for Garrett, who appeared less engaging than he was in the earlier film.
Regardless of the criticisms levied against the film, much praise went toward the ambition of the creators and the care taken in crafting a meaningful story, warding off a myriad of pitfalls commonly encountered when dealing with limited resources.
Conclusion
Code 8: Part II is a sophisticated continuation of the original film’s universe, broadening its themes while deepening the characters developed earlier without sacrificing the grounded realism that made the first film resonate. Through its unique blend of superpowers and socio-political critique, it remains rare amongst action sci-fi films. While it is not flawless, it is both compelling and relevant.
The film tells a story of rebellion, sacrifice, and hope, acting as a reminder that the struggle against oppression can originate in the most unforeseen places and that power in all its forms requires scrutiny.
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