REVIEW: ‘Lupin’ Part 2 Is Packed with Twist that Keep You Guessing

Netflix’s Lupin Part 2, the French action-adventure crime drama series created by George Kay and François Uzan, returns for a second season. Omar Sy returns to his starring role as Assane Diop, the modern-day gentleman thief inspired by Maurice Leblanc’s literary work to enact revenge and clear his father’s name. The new installment of the series includes five episodes.

In Lupin Part 2, while it seems Assane Diop is getting closer to enacting his revenge against Pellegrini, the man who framed his father. It also appears that as he gets closer to achieving his goal, he is also putting his loved ones closer to danger. Part Two starts off right where Part One concludes with a cliffhanger as Assane’s son is kidnapped. Meanwhile, Assane is seemingly confronted by Inspector Youssef Guedira, the only police officer who has figured out Assane’s alter ego.

Lupin Part 2 keeps you guessing on every episode this season. There are plenty of twists, turns, suspense and surprising reveals that you don’t see coming until the last minutes. Just as a true thrilling heist series should, Lupin keeps the audience entertained, but does not give anything away. I thought the capers and tricks from the previous season were impressive. Part 2 stepped it up to a new level. I can honestly say there are several parts throughout this season where I was left stunned and never could have predicted some outcomes of Part Two.

In addition to the plot, once again I am blown away by Omar Sy’s performance as the modern-day gentleman thief. In Part Two Sy does not only show off his acting ability as the suave and clever caper, but a kick-ass action star as well. However, Part Two also shows a different side of  Assane’s character that shows off Sy’s acting prowess.

In Part One we Assane was a man hellbent on revenge willing to take the risks he felt necessary to get his closer to achieving revenge for his father. However, in Part 2 we weren’t just seeing a man solely focused on revenge anymore. This season, Assane had to come face-to-face with how his selfish and reckless actions have put the people we care most about at risk.

When it comes to plot, characters, and chemistry, Part 2 simply surpasses Part One. This is due to a lot of the setup that Part One previously did for the story to be built upon. I really have to commend the creators and filmmakers for utilizing flashbacks to deepen the story and the characters’ chemistry. Benjamin and Assane’s friendship dynamic gets a bit more attention in Lupin Part 2. 

We even see Ben working along with Assane on a heist in the field. Assane has modeled his life after Arsène Lupin and has made it a policy to be a lone wolf with few friends. However, I think this season really showed the depths of trust that both he and Benjamin share towards one another.  

In addition to friendships, this season explores Assane’s romantic past a bit deeper as well. Specifically, when it comes to Juliette Pellegrini, the daughter of Assane’s sworn enemy. I’m glad to say that romance Part Two, much like in Part 1, is not a primary focus of the series. However, it was interesting to see how the romantic chemistry between Assane and Julliette contributed to this season’s overarching plot.

When it comes to Lupin Part Two, it really is all about the details in this series. If you don’t pay close attention in some parts, you might miss some cool references this season. For example, in Lupin Part Two, a small nod to the anime series’ homage to Lupin III is made by making the getaway car a yellow 1957 Fiat 500. 

The same car that is iconic is owned by Lupin III, a gentleman thief character created by Monkey Punch, who Maurice Leblanc’s gentleman thief also inspired. As a long-time fan of Lupin III, I was absolutely thrilled to see the series make this significant yet simple reference to the anime. 

Overall, Lupin Part 2 is an excellent addition to the series. At only five one-hour episodes, it is a light and entertaining watch. The plot, characters, and chemistry in Part Two simply surpass Part One and takes the series to another level. Omar Sy’s performance is phenomenal as we get to see a new side to his character this season.

This season beautifully expanded and deepened the story that was set up in the first installment. Lupin Part 2 is a prime example of what the heist genre is all about. This installment was packed with suspense, twists, turns, and surprises throughout the season. I can’t wait to see how the story goes forward from here into the next installment.

Lupin Part 2 is available to stream on Netflix.