Synopsis
The Old Guard is a 2020 movie that is slick, action-packed, and a superhero thriller with emotional depth. The story revolves around a secret group of immortal mercenaries who have protected the world for centuries. The film blends contemporary and mythological warfare and addresses various moral concerns, such ethics, and stands out with its unique, solemn tone and philosophical depth.
It features the fierce immortal warrior, Andromache of Scythia, called Andy and played by Charlize Theron. The film depicts the story with Andy’s small group of immortal warriors; with Andy is Booker, Joe, and Nicky. These men have lived for centuries, some for a millennia, and all of them are uncertain about the reason they are condemned to immortality. They all possess some form of immortality, yet the ability to be injured, die, and experience death that is a long, unpredictable process.
When the group is taken advantage of for an ambush disguised as a humanitarian rescue mission in South Sudan, it becomes clear that someone knows their secret. Orchestrated by former CIA operative Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the attack is an ambush and a part of the more extensive scheme of capturing and experimenting them for the sake of medicine — a scheme funded by Merrick (Harry Melling), the CEO of a ruthless pharmaceutical corporation.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, a young U.S. Marine named Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne) witnesses her first death and resurrection which marks her as a new immortal. Nile’s resurrection affects the other immortals, who later find and recruit her. Though confused and scared, Nile initially rejected her new life, but eventually, Andy takes her in and mentors her, teaching her the ways of immortality, warfare, and the emotional strength to endure.
Merrick trying to capture the group and unlock their DNA secrets for commercial immortality pushes the Old Guard to irrational betrayals, reevaluation, and the unsettling burdens of their endless lives. After losing and enduring so much over the centuries, disillusioned and heartbroken, Booker betrays the team in an irrational attempt to stop his suffering. This betrayal ultimately leads to Andy’s capture and the near destruction of the group.
The narrative takes a pivotal shift when Andy captures the group to lose their immortality. Suddenly the stakes are raised. For the first time in centuries, crying and feeling utterly vulnerable, Andy must depend on her team, especially Nile, who brings rekindled idealism and the hope. In an attempt to rescue Andy and destroy the research, the remaining team launches a full-scale assault on Merrick’s compound.
The remaining team shifts into exile and punishes Booker for the betrayal by shackling him to 100 years of solitude. This in itself is rich in implication. Booker’s subdued returned to his home leads to a Quynh (Veronica Ngo) — Andy’s long-lost comrade. Once presumed drowned, her revival promises intricate challenges to the immortal warriors. This shift is a testament to the rich possibilities in the plot that can be exploited for deeper storytelling in a sequel.
Cast & Crew
Director:
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Gina shined her light on the action genre for the first time in her career with “The Old Guard” and she did not disappoint. Weaving character emotion into the action and fighting sequence and violence goes against the flow of the violent and spectacle drenched gorge.
Writer:
The comic book and screenplay were both crafted by Greg Rucka. His screenplay for “The Old Guard” did wonders for the overall thematic composition of the movie by erasing most cliches that come with superheroes.
Main Cast:
Charlize Theron as Andy (Andromache of Scythia)
The character Andy comes with great vulnerability and with deep emotional scars which Theron portrays beautifully bringing Andy’s character to life. Andy did not get to experience most of the joys that comes with life and for that she is able to combat terrifically and inable to enjoy most of the joys.
KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman
KiKi Layne brings to the table youthful and moral energy. The change from marine and Nile Freeman is so deep and captivates the audience not bore them unlike the film and world she is lost in.
Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker
The French soldier played by Schoenaerts has both guilt and sorrow embedded in his internal and eternal state for his character.
Marwan Kenzari as Joe and Luca Marinelli as Nicky
The duo offers one of the most heartwarming bonds in the film. Their love story is gentle and powerful. It offers a captivating blend of tenderness as lovers turned companions after years of feuding on opposing sides of the Crusades.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as James Copley
Ejiofor brings depth to what could have been a one-dimensional villain. His arc from a manipulator and possible antagonist to a possible ally brings significant impact to the film’s emotional journey.
Harry Melling as Steven Merrick
He plays the role of the film’s most notable villain, the amoral and exceptionally greedy tech CEO. Although not as fleshed out as the other characters, Merrick captures the film’s main message: the commodification of humanity in the pursuit of profit and the unhinged desire capitalism has over humanity.
IMDb Ratings & Critical Reception
The Old Guard IMDb rating is 6.6/10 with both audiences and reviewers having a moderately positive reception to the film. The Old Guard was praised for its mature story-telling, refreshing approach to the superhero film, and the diverse cast.
Critics praised the film for its grounded characterization, mature storytelling, and diversity. While the film was praised for its mature storytelling and diverse cast, action-oriented films often have a serious lack of emotions. In the case of The Old Guard, the film was praised for its emotional depth. Despite receiving criticism in the past for excessive, over the top, and mindless visual effects, The Old Guard received praise for its character-driven grounded action. Theron and Layne’s choreography, particularly the fight choreography featuring Theron and Layne was praised. The Old Guard was praised for its action, emotions, and character-driven narrative – things that are often absent in action-oriented films.
The LGBTQ+ acclaim that the film received stemmed from the relationship between Joe and Nicky and how they were not pigeon-holed into stereotypical roles. Their relationship was given the emotional depth and dignity it deserved.
The film does suffer from some pacing issues and poor villain development. While the central character’s development is strong, Merrick is often labeled as a flat villain. Many viewers also found the film’s midsection to drag, alternating between movements of action and more philosophical moments.
Final Thoughts
The Old Guard uniquely balances action, heart, and contemplation. Unlike most superhero films that focus on origin stories or world-ending threats, this film delves into the exploration of the consequences of immortality, the burden of survival, and the ethics of intervention.
Charlize Theron anchors the film with both physical ferocity and emotional weight, while KiKi Layne’s character offers a refreshing take on the concept of immortality. With the addition of the supporting cast, the film transcends the genre by thoughtfully analyzing the themes of loyalty, grief, and the cost of doing good over time.
The film is both an action and emotional film, and an honest portrayal of life, love, and sacrifice – by balancing its fantastical premise in deeply soul-stirring themes. Released in 2020, it is arguably one of the more intellectually engaging of the decade. While the movie works mostly as a standalone film, it is notably open-ended, hinting towards more stories to come.
For those who eagerly await the next big blockbuster and super-hero film however, can turn their focus to The Old Guard. It is a gripping and more sophisticated tale, attempting to answer the question of immortality and addressing the themes of existentialism in a thought-provoking manner.
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