The Old Guard

The Old Guard is a 2020 action-adventure film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on the comic book of the same name by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández. The film stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The Old Guard is an interesting blend of action, drama, and fantasy that tells the story of a group of immortal warriors who have been fighting to protect humanity for centuries.

The film opens with a team of four mercenaries, led by Andy (Charlize Theron), on a mission to rescue a group of kidnapped children in South Sudan. However, the mission takes a dark turn when they discover that they have been set up by their employer, Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who has been tracking them for years. The team is ambushed and killed, but they all miraculously come back to life, revealing that they are immortal.

Andy is the leader of the group, which also includes Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli). They have been fighting together for centuries, using their abilities to help people in need. However, they have to keep their immortality a secret, as they would be hunted and experimented on if their existence was ever discovered.

One day, the group is approached by Nile (KiKi Layne), a young Marine who has just discovered her own immortality after being killed in action. Andy takes Nile under her wing, teaching her how to fight and how to cope with her new reality. Meanwhile, Copley has been tracking the group and has discovered their immortality. He has been working with a pharmaceutical company to develop a drug that can grant immortality to others, and he sees the Old Guard as a key to unlocking its secrets.

The Old Guard is a thrilling action film with an interesting premise. The idea of immortal warriors who have been fighting for centuries is a fascinating one, and the film explores it in depth. The characters are well-developed and the action scenes are well-choreographed. Charlize Theron is particularly impressive as Andy, bringing a level of gravitas and depth to the role.

The film also tackles some interesting themes, such as the meaning of immortality and the importance of human connections. The Old Guard may be immortal, but they still feel pain and loss, and they have to cope with the fact that they will outlive everyone they love. The film also touches on the idea of sacrifice and the importance of fighting for a cause, even if it seems hopeless.

One of the film's strengths is its diverse cast. The Old Guard features characters from different races, nationalities, and sexual orientations, which is refreshing to see in a mainstream action film. The film doesn't shy away from exploring the characters' identities and experiences, and it does so in a way that feels natural and organic.

The Old Guard is not without its flaws, however. The plot is somewhat predictable, and the villain feels underdeveloped. The film also suffers from some pacing issues, particularly in the middle act. Some of the dialogue also feels clunky and exposition-heavy.

Despite these flaws, The Old Guard is a fun and entertaining film that is worth watching. The action scenes are exciting, the characters are interesting, and the themes are thought-provoking. Charlize Theron is particularly impressive, and her performance alone is worth the price of admission.

Overall, The Old Guard is a solid action film that explores some interesting ideas. It's not perfect, but it's an enjoyable and entertaining ride that is well worth a watch.