The highly anticipated sequel to 2020's disaster hit "Greenland" has finally arrived. "Greenland 2: Migration" brings back Gerard Butler as John Garrity, but this time the story takes a different path. The film released on January 16, 2026, runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes, and falls squarely in the action and thriller genre.
A Family's Struggle in a Broken World
Years after the catastrophic comet strike that devastated Earth, the Garrity family faces a new challenge. Their bunker in Greenland can no longer sustain them. John, his wife Allison played by Morena Baccarin, and their son Nathan portrayed by Roman Griffin Davis must venture out into the ruined world. They hear rumors of a safe zone in southern France and decide to make the perilous journey across Europe.
The Journey Through Ruins
Their trek takes them through haunting versions of familiar landscapes. They cross England and move toward France, encountering crumbling infrastructure and dangerous survivor groups along the way. The film presents several intense sequences, including a tense crossing of a collapsing bridge and dangerous encounters with armed factions.
In France, they meet Denis, his wife Julia, and their daughter Camille. Denis offers them shelter but makes a heartbreaking request. He asks the Garrity family to take Camille with them as he stays behind to care for his ailing wife. This decision adds another layer of responsibility to their already difficult journey.
Performance That Shines Through the Rubble
Gerard Butler delivers a compelling performance as John Garrity. He portrays a man worn down by years of survival, showing quiet toughness rather than typical action hero bravado. Morena Baccarin brings emotional depth to Allison, making her the moral center of the film. Roman Griffin Davis captures the frustration and curiosity of a young man growing up in a broken world.
The chemistry between the three leads feels authentic and grounded. Their interactions carry the emotional weight of the story, even when the plot itself wanders.
Where the Film Stumbles
"Migration" struggles with inconsistent pacing. The story moves between slow, contemplative moments and sudden action sequences without building proper tension. Long stretches of walking and talking sometimes make the journey feel uneventful. The film introduces interesting ideas about survival and societal breakdown but doesn't develop them fully.
Director Ric Roman Waugh creates striking visual landscapes that showcase the ruined world effectively. However, the narrative often feels like it's checking boxes rather than building toward a satisfying conclusion. The emotional payoff doesn't quite match the setup.
Final Verdict
"Greenland 2: Migration" earns a 2.5 rating from both critics and audiences. The film works best when focusing on the family dynamic at its core. The performances are strong, and the visuals effectively portray a post-apocalyptic world. However, uneven pacing and underdeveloped themes prevent it from becoming the great sequel it could have been.
This is an imperfect follow-up that will satisfy fans of the original looking for more time with the Garrity family. The striking set pieces and committed acting make it worth watching, but don't expect the same level of tension and urgency that made the first film successful. It's a journey through ruins that finds its heart in family bonds, even if it sometimes loses its narrative pulse along the way.
