Overview
After the surprise success of the original 2018 action-thriller Braven, the story continues in Braven 2, a gritty, high-stakes sequel that brings Joe Braven back into action when his family is once again threatened. Starring Jason Momoa, the sequel intensifies the emotional weight and brutal survivalism that made the first film a cult favorite.
Plot Summary
Set two years after the events of the original film, Joe Braven (Jason Momoa) is living a quiet life, having relocated his family to a remote area far from trouble. But peace doesn’t last long.
When a powerful drug cartel seeks revenge for the deaths of their men in the first film, they track down Braven and force him out of hiding. After his daughter is kidnapped and his father once again put in danger, Joe is pulled back into a violent game of cat and mouse across snow-covered forests and abandoned logging roads.
This time, Braven doesn’t just have to defend his home—he must go on the offensive.
What’s New in the Sequel?
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Bigger action set-pieces: From snowmobile chases to cabin explosions, Braven 2 ramps up the scale.
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Deeper character development: The film explores Joe’s PTSD, his role as a father, and his moral struggle with violence.
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New villain: Zahn McClarnon plays a ruthless ex-military mercenary hired by the cartel to hunt Braven down.
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More family stakes: Joe’s wife (Jill Wagner) plays a more active role, turning the Bravens into a survivalist duo.
Cast & Performances
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Jason Momoa shines again as Joe Braven, balancing raw physicality with emotional depth.
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Jill Wagner returns as Stephanie Braven, bringing strength and intensity to the role of a mother turned fighter.
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Zahn McClarnon adds a chilling menace as the antagonist, delivering a calm but deadly performance.
Visuals & Direction
Set against the stunning and brutal wilderness of northern Canada, Braven 2 continues to use natural landscapes to heighten tension and realism. Director Lin Oeding maintains a grounded tone, with practical effects and hand-to-hand combat scenes that feel raw and impactful.
Themes
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Family and sacrifice
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Revenge and redemption
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Survival in isolation
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The cost of violence
Final Thoughts
Braven 2 is a sequel that honors the original while expanding its emotional and action-driven core. With Jason Momoa delivering a rugged, heartfelt performance, the film offers a gripping blend of suspense, family drama, and intense wilderness warfare. For fans of survival thrillers and standalone action flicks, Braven 2 proves that sometimes lightning can strike twice.