T2 Trainspotting is a 2017 film that brings back the iconic characters from the 90s cult classic Trainspotting. The film explores the lives of Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and Begbie two decades after they went their separate ways. The four friends faced challenges in their pursuit of happiness, and their lives have taken different directions since they last saw each other. Here is a synopsis of the film.
Renton, played by Ewan McGregor, is now a 46-year-old man going through a divorce and has suffered a heart attack while at the gym. He decides to take a vacation back to his old stomping grounds in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Spud has relapsed and returned to using heroin following his divorce from his wife, while Sick Boy still uses cocaine and struggles to keep his struggling pub afloat. Begbie has been sentenced to five additional years in prison for attacking his lawyer.
Renton’s first stop in Edinburgh is Spud’s apartment, where he finds his old friend attempting suicide. Renton promises to help Spud overcome his addiction and turn his life around. Later, Renton visits Sick Boy’s pub, where they reconcile after their tumultuous history. However, Sick Boy secretly plots his revenge for Renton’s betrayal years ago.
Begbie escapes from the hospital and goes to his ex-wife’s apartment where he meets Frank Jr., his college-aged son. Begbie pressures Frank Jr. to commit crimes and help him seek revenge on Renton.
Renton, Sick Boy, and Veronika (Sick Boy’s girlfriend) plan to obtain a loan to convert an upper floor of Sick Boy’s pub into a brothel. However, Sick Boy is reported to the police for extortion, so Renton ends up seeking help from his ex-girlfriend Diane to deal with the situation.
Begbie chases Renton down while he is at a nightclub, but Renton escapes. Later, Renton and Sick Boy are kidnapped by a rival business owner who wants to put them out of business, while Spud helps Veronika forge Renton and Sick Boy’s signatures on legal documentation.
T2 Trainspotting explores themes of growing older, change, and trying to rekindle old friendships. Although it has been 21 years since the first Trainspotting film, the sequel manages to develop the characters without straying from the identities presented in the first film.
In conclusion, T2 Trainspotting is a captivating film that explores the intricacies and complexities of friendship, life, and growing old. It is a must-watch for anyone who wants to reminisce on the days you cannot have back and the relationships that you cannot seem to escape.
