Don’t Miss This Underrated Netflix Movie Before It Leaves in July 2025!
Netflix is just days away from removing numerous films that have been on loan from various studios for the past few months.
One such film is Constantine, the 2005 comic book-inspired feature featuring Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, and others.
Labeling Constantine as a superhero film would be misleading, as John Constantine (Reeves) is far from a traditional hero, and the adaptation took many creative liberties.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Constantine is an unexpectedly fantastic movie you’ll want to watch on Netflix before it exits at the end of the month.
‘Constantine’ Showcases Keanu Reeves at His Best
After completing The Matrix trilogy, Reeves found another fitting role in Constantine. The character diverges significantly from the British occult investigator depicted in the comics, leaning more towards a persona akin to Reeves himself. Nevertheless, these adjustments add depth, making John a more relatable protagonist. In this narrative, John is afflicted with lung cancer and seeks redemption by ridding the world of demons and helping others to escape eternal damnation.
Equipped with the ability to perceive the supernatural, John understands that demons exist and has been combating them throughout his life. Reeves’ action skills come into play as this version of John opts for guns over magic. While he’s certainly a credible action hero, he also remains profoundly human and accessible. In contrast to his almost invincible character in The Matrix, John Constantine is simply a man.
Rachel Weisz Delivers a Stunning Performance
Rachel Weisz’s immense talent is no surprise—she had already made a name for herself before the release of Constantine. Her role as Angela Dodson could have been a typical damsel in distress, yet she emerges as a compelling figure grappling with the grief of her deceased twin sister, Isabel, who is also portrayed by Weisz. As a police detective, Angela is haunted not only by Isabel’s death but also by a longstanding secret that brings her shame and fear.
Weisz masterfully conveys Angela’s inner turmoil through her expressions and physicality, arguably surpassing Reeves in her performance. While this may be a Keanu Reeves film, it would not possess the same impact without Weisz’s authentic presence. She embodies the everyday person ensnared in a supernatural plot that threatens the world, bringing a tangible realism to the film’s fantastical elements.
‘Constantine’ Effectively Merges Supernatural Horror with Action
If you’ve seen Jonah Hex, you understand how disastrous a film can be when a comic book character is altered excessively. Constantine underwent even more changes than that adaptation, yet the distinction lies in the fact that these alterations enhanced the film. The supernatural components elevate the action, distinguishing it from a typical Keanu Reeves movie while maintaining a seamless flow.
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It’s also worth noting that this film boasts an exceptional cast, featuring Djimon Hounsou and Pruitt Taylor Vince in supporting roles alongside Reeves, Weisz, and Swinton. Peter Stormare also makes a memorable cameo, though revealing his character would spoil the surprise.
A ‘Constantine 2’ Could Be on the Horizon
Constantine happens to be one of Reeves’ all-time favorite films, and he has previously expressed interest in returning to his role. In 2022, news surfaced that Reeves and director Francis Lawrence are in talks to create Constantine 2 for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Although progress on the sequel has been slow since the announcement, it was reported that Reeves and Lawrence pitched their sequel concepts to DC Studios earlier this year, and Constantine 2 may still come to fruition in the future.
Currently, Constantine is available for streaming on Netflix until June 30.
