The Old Guard (2020), directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a thrilling, action-packed film based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka. The movie combines high-octane action with thought-provoking themes of immortality, idenтιтy, and the burden of time, creating a compelling story that sets it apart from typical action films. It features an ensemble cast led by Charlize Theron, who portrays Andy, the leader of a secret group of immortal mercenaries who have fought for centuries and have just begun to realize the price of their gift.
The film begins with the group of immortals—Andy, Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne), Nicky (Luca Marinelli), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts)—on a mission in Sudan. When they are betrayed and nearly killed, it becomes clear that someone is hunting them. As the group fights to survive, Andy begins to unravel a deeper conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical billionaire, Stephen Merrick (Harry Melling), who wants to capture the immortals and exploit their regenerative abilities to create a profit-driven immortality serum. Meanwhile, Nile, a new recruit to the group, must navigate the painful reality of being immortal, all while coming to terms with her new idenтιтy and the ethical dilemmas that come with it.
Charlize Theron’s performance as Andy is one of the film’s standout elements. She plays the role of the jaded, battle-hardened leader with a combination of fierce determination and vulnerability. Andy has lived for centuries, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and lost countless friends and comrades along the way. Theron brings emotional depth to the character, portraying her weariness and pain of being immortal while still maintaining an aura of strength and resilience.
KiKi Layne, as Nile, adds an intriguing contrast to Theron’s Andy. Nile, a newly awakened immortal, is still coming to terms with her transformation, struggling to adjust to her new reality and the responsibility that comes with it. Layne’s performance is both fresh and grounded, capturing Nile’s sense of confusion, wonder, and strength. Her journey from a soldier of the U.S. military to an immortal mercenary is both emotional and transformative, and the chemistry between her and Andy becomes the emotional core of the film.
The film’s action sequences are fast-paced and expertly choreographed, with Prince-Bythewood blending intense hand-to-hand combat with stylish, slick cinematography. The immortals’ ability to heal quickly and regenerate from nearly any wound adds a unique twist to the fight scenes, making them feel both brutal and thrilling. The violence is brutal but purposeful, highlighting the pain and exhaustion the characters feel from centuries of conflict. The choreography is often grounded in realism, with each fight sequence feeling visceral and impactful. The film also makes effective use of slow-motion sH๏τs to emphasize moments of high tension or emotional weight.
The theme of immortality is central to The Old Guard, and the film explores the emotional toll it takes on its characters. While they cannot die, they are not free from suffering. The burden of living forever, watching the world change around them, and losing the people they love creates a deep sense of melancholy and existential reflection. This theme is particularly explored through Andy, whose centuries-long life has left her emotionally scarred and disconnected from humanity. She struggles with the realization that, despite her immortality, she has lost her purpose.
The supporting characters, including Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a CIA operative who becomes entangled with the group, add depth to the narrative, though the film’s focus remains squarely on the central immortals. Copley’s role as both an ally and a morally conflicted figure brings additional layers to the story, as he grapples with the ethical implications of the immortals’ powers and his own role in their exploitation.
The film’s visual style is sleek and contemporary, with dark, moody cinematography that complements the somber, introspective nature of the story. The pacing is steady, balancing moments of intense action with quieter, reflective moments that allow the characters to process their experiences and relationships. The narrative is driven by both the personal stakes of the immortals and the larger conflict with Merrick, who seeks to harness their powers for profit and control.
The Old Guard also poses questions about what it means to live forever and whether immortality is truly a gift or a curse. As the immortals struggle with their prolonged existence, they come to understand that while they cannot die, they are not invincible to the psychological toll of time. The film touches on themes of loss, idenтιтy, and the consequences of immortality, making it not just an action film but a meditation on what it means to live a meaningful life, even when you cannot die.
In conclusion, The Old Guard is a refreshing entry into the superhero and action genre, blending fast-paced action with deep character exploration. The performances, particularly by Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne, ground the film emotionally, while the action sequences provide plenty of adrenaline-pumping thrills. The themes of immortality, loss, and the search for purpose elevate the film beyond typical genre fare, making it a thought-provoking and exciting watch. The Old Guard is a stylish, emotionally resonant film that leaves the door wide open for future installments, particularly as it sets up a larger mythology of immortal warriors fighting through time.
