Incredibles 2, directed by Brad Bird, picks up right where the first film left off, following the adventures of the Parr family, also known as the Incredibles. In this action-packed sequel, the focus shifts to Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), while Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) stays at home to manage the family. The movie delves into the complexities of balancing family life with superhero responsibilities, while introducing a new villain, the Screenslaver.
The Underminer’s Attack
The film opens with the Parr family—Bob (Mr. Incredible), Helen (Elastigirl), Violet (Sarah Vowell), Dash (Huck Milner), and baby Jack-Jack—facing off against the Underminer, a villain introduced at the end of the first movie. Despite their best efforts, the family struggles to stop the Underminer from robbing a bank and causing widespread destruction. This incident reignites the government’s ban on superhero activity, leaving the Parr family once again in hiding.
A New Opportunity: Elastigirl’s Solo Mission
Just when things seem bleak, a wealthy businessman named Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) and his sister Evelyn Deavor (Catherine Keener) approach the Parr family with a plan to restore public trust in superheroes. Winston, a superhero enthusiast, believes that by showcasing the good that heroes can do, they can overturn the ban.
To accomplish this, Winston wants to start with Elastigirl, whose more tactical and less destructive style of heroism could change the public’s perception of superheroes. Helen takes the opportunity, and Bob supports her decision, though it’s clear that staying home with the kids will be a new challenge for him.
Mr. Incredible: The Challenges of Fatherhood
While Helen is off fighting crime, Bob struggles with the responsibilities of parenting. Violet faces teenage angst and boy trouble, Dash struggles with homework, and Jack-Jack begins to display a wild array of unpredictable superpowers. Bob, determined to prove he can handle everything, finds himself overwhelmed.
One of the funniest and most chaotic sequences in the film involves Bob trying to cope with Jack-Jack’s many powers, including teleportation, laser vision, and transformation into a fiery demon. Bob eventually seeks help from Edna Mode (Brad Bird), the family’s eccentric fashion designer, who creates a special suit for Jack-Jack to help control his powers.
The Screenslaver: A New Villain Emerges
Meanwhile, Elastigirl successfully stops a runaway train, thanks to her quick thinking and use of her powers. However, a new villain emerges—the Screenslaver, a mysterious figure who uses screens to hypnotize and control people. The Screenslaver’s message is dark, claiming that society has become too dependent on superheroes and technology, making them passive and easy to manipulate.
Elastigirl tracks down the Screenslaver and captures him, but something about the situation feels off. It’s soon revealed that the real mastermind behind the Screenslaver is Evelyn Deavor, who resents superheroes for taking away people’s independence and wants to ensure they remain illegal forever.
The Final Showdown: Family Comes Together
Evelyn’s plan comes to light when she uses her technology to hypnotize Elastigirl and later Mr. Incredible, who goes to rescue her. The Deavor siblings’ ultimate goal is to frame the superheroes for a disaster that will lead to a permanent ban on their activities.
In the film’s climax, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack step up to save their parents. With the help of their superhero friends, including Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), they manage to free Bob and Helen from Evelyn’s mind control. Together, the Incredibles take down Evelyn and prevent her plan from succeeding.
Evelyn is apprehended, and superheroes are once again celebrated for their bravery and heroism. The Parr family is finally able to live in peace, with a renewed sense of balance between their super-powered lives and their responsibilities to one another.
The Balance of Family and Heroism
Incredibles 2 explores the dynamics of family life, the challenges of parenthood, and the role of superheroes in society. With its sharp humor, thrilling action sequences, and heartwarming moments, the film continues the legacy of the first movie while expanding on the themes of personal growth and teamwork. In the end, the Parr family demonstrates that being incredible isn’t just about having superpowers—it’s about the love and support they provide for each other.
At the end of Incredibles 2 (2018), the true villain is revealed to be Evelyn Deavor, who had been using her brother Winston’s plan to bring superheroes back into the spotlight for her own agenda. Evelyn resents superheroes for taking away human agency, and as the mastermind behind the Screenslaver, she hypnotizes Elastigirl, Mr. Incredible, and other heroes in an attempt to sabotage the superhero cause once and for all.
The climax takes place on Winston Deavor’s luxury yacht, where Evelyn plans to crash the ship while it’s filled with government officials, ensuring superheroes will be outlawed forever. However, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack spring into action to save their parents. With the help of Frozone, they manage to break Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl out of their hypnotized state.
In a thrilling final battle, the Parr family works together to thwart Evelyn’s plan. They stop the yacht from crashing into the city, and Elastigirl captures Evelyn as she tries to escape. The world’s view of superheroes is redeemed, and the ban on superhero activity is lifted.
The film ends with the Parr family finding a balance between their superhero duties and family life. Violet finally gets to go on a date with her crush, Dash enjoys his childhood, and Jack-Jack’s powers are better understood, thanks to his new suit. The last scene shows the family getting ready for action once again, as they prepare to take on a new adventure together.
The message of the movie is clear: family comes first, and working together is the key to overcoming any challenge.