Ferry 2 Review: Frank Lammers Returns for a Rough, Familiar Ride

This Ferry 2 review starts with a simple question: can a once-feared drug lord stay retired? Wannes Destoop's Dutch-language crime action sequel brings back Frank Lammers as Ferry Bouman and puts him on a collision course with his old world. It is a short, blunt film that knows what its fans want.

Ferry 2 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Ferry 2 plot picks up after Ferry has lost his empire. He has found a measure of calm away from the criminal underworld of Brabant, and for a while it looks like he might keep it. Then his past catches up with him.

That is the whole setup, and the film does not pretend to be more complicated. Written by Tibbe van Hoof and Geerard Van de Walle, the story leans on a familiar question: how much can a man change when everyone around him still sees the old version? The first act sets up the stakes quickly and moves on.

The film runs 94 minutes and was released in Belgium on 19 December 2024. That brisk length helps, because the premise could not support much more.

What Works in Ferry 2

The biggest strength is the main character. Ferry is a gruff, weary figure rather than a glossy gangster, and the film uses that to give its action some weight. A man who wants out is easier to root for than one who wants more.

• Pace: at under an hour and a half, the film rarely sits still.

• Setting: the Brabant backdrop gives the crime story a local, grounded flavour.

• Tone: it favours rough, direct violence over polished spectacle.

Destoop keeps the direction straightforward. Scenes are built to deliver tension or a punch, then move along. If you enjoy action movie reviews built around lean, no-frills storytelling, this will feel familiar.

Ferry 2 Cast and Performances

The Ferry 2 cast is led by Frank Lammers as Ferry Bouman, and he carries the film. He plays the character with a tired menace that suits the story of a retired criminal being pulled back in.

Aiko Beemsterboer plays Jezebel van Kamp, while Tobias Kersloot appears as Jeremy. Marouane Meftah (Steve), Hamza Othman (Dino) and Huub Smit (Dennis de Vries) round out the main players.

The ensemble gives the film a lived-in feel, though the supporting characters are not given much room to grow. Lammers does most of the heavy lifting.

Where Ferry 2 Stumbles

The film's biggest problem is that it feels predictable. A retired criminal dragged back by his past is a well-worn path, and the script rarely takes a turn you won't see coming. Viewers hoping for fresh ideas in crime movie reviews territory may come away underwhelmed.

The supporting cast also deserves sharper material. Several characters exist mainly to serve Ferry's arc, which limits the emotional payoff. The mixed audience response, around 5.9 out of 10 on TMDB from 139 votes, reflects that middling impression.

The film also seems written for people who know the first one. Newcomers may feel they are missing some history, even though the basic setup is easy to follow.

Is Ferry 2 Worth Watching?

Ferry 2 is worth watching if you already like the character or enjoy gritty Dutch-language crime stories, but it is not essential viewing. Our score is 5.9 out of 10.

It delivers a quick, rough ride with a strong lead and a clear sense of place. It does not do much that is surprising, and it will not win over viewers who dislike formula. Treat it as a solid evening watch rather than a must-see.

If you want a similar mood with a different flavour, our review of The Instigators is a lighter option in the same crime-action space.

Who Will Enjoy Ferry 2

• Fans of the original Ferry and Frank Lammers' take on the character.

• Viewers who like short, gritty crime action with a regional flavour.

• Anyone looking for an undemanding thriller that gets to the point.