Trainspotting 2 - Review

“Choose watching history repeat itself” – A review of Trainspotting 2. 

After two decades since the original film, I was nervous when, in 2017, a sequel to Trainspotting was released. The original was a fantastic cult classic – would the sequel be worthwhile? Would it be a mere shadow of the original films former glory? Would it capture the same edge, melancholy, joy and devastation? Whilst I don’t think it was quite as good as the original film, I’m pleased to say that it didn’t disappoint.

Trainspotting 2 is, as expected, deeply nostalgic. Still set in Edinburgh and still following the original characters, Trainspotting 2 is familiar in style and setting. This Edinburgh has of course changed; it’s more modern, yet it still appears to be in many ways unchanged, with the same issues as decades before, full of memories of past actions and consequences.

The same can be said of the characters. Renton is back in Edinburgh, but far from being a completely put together man, he is flailing after a failed marriage and a life abroad which didn’t bring the meaning he hoped it would. Whilst he is still witty, he also seems to be plagued by guilt and regret, and he is still seeking meaning in his life.

There are changes in other familiar characters too; Sick Boy now prefers to be known as Simon and whilst he is still more than capable of using his charm to his advantage, he’s also vulnerable and as damaged as anyone else. A new character in Trainspotting 2 is Veronika, someone who brings a sort of cynical hope to his life, as the possibility of a relationship with her, and a change in his behaviour, seems to be possible if not probable.

Spud and Begbie both also return with challenges of their own; Spud is resilient and creative, despite his struggles with addiction, and Begbie is still a rage fuelled, violent person who now needs to contend with the challenges of fatherhood as well, which brings with it an exploration of generational trauma and parental flaws.

Just like the first film, Trainspotting 2 examines societal flaws and the dangers and realities of addiction, but it brings something new as well. Memories, past friendships, grudges and redemption are all themes throughout, as old wounds are reopened and past mistakes are repeated. The iconic “choose life” monologue returns, but it’s different now, bitterly ironic, a parody of the original.

Parody can be found throughout the film, yet it treads lightly, acting as a homage to the original masterpiece, using flashbacks and the same colour palette and cinematography to make audiences feel that they’re returning to something dark but almost comforting. Flashbacks, references and familiar mannerisms make this a clever return to the story, helping you to pick up where you left off decades before.

This film again neither glorifies nor villainises the characters within. They still come across as real, flawed human beings, with their own virtues and vices, being more than the stereotypes one may attach to them. The pacing isn’t even, giving way to more quiet, reflective moments. I can’t say I loved this; I did find myself missing the adrenaline and fast pace of the original film, yet I equally didn’t hate it. This is a film about emotion and people rather than high adrenaline, high stake action, which is still present to a lesser degree, and it was nice to see the characters similarities and differences after so much time had passed.

Just like the original film, Trainspotting 2 leaves you with questions. Can a person ever really change? Can someone better their circumstances to escape whatever reality they feel trapped in? Can someone be forgiven for terrible acts of the past? Whilst I don’t think Trainspotting 2 is quite as good as the original film, it is still a fantastic return, with excellent acting and writing, and one that any fan of the original is sure to enjoy.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

Share Article: