The Old Guard is an action super-hero movie released in 2020 on Netflix. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, it features a star-studded cast of Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is based on a graphic novel written by Greg Rucka with illustrations by Leandro Fernández. It illustrates the tale a concealed group of immortal mercenaries who have been guarding the mortal realm for centuries.
The film is praised for being different and refreshing take on the super hero genre, showcasing captivating character construction alongside dynamic actions. The film relies not only on mindless spectacles, but also on thrilling battle scenes paired with philosophy to delve into concepts of existential thought like mortality, identity and sacrifice. The idea of eternal life comes with its own complexities, such as responsibility and serving humanity even when the world becomes beyond recognition.
Synopsis
Andy, short for Andromache of Scythia is the leader of a covert group of immortal warriors known as The Old Guard. The warrior group consists of immortal fighters, surviving the test of time and conflicts. The Old Guard is led by Andy, played by Theron, who is joined by Joe, better known as Yusuf Al-Kaysani, Nicky or Nicolo di Genova and Sebastian Le Livre takes on the role of Booker.
These immortals do not possess true invincibility. Still, they heal from any ailment in a matter of moments, and live for centuries, sometimes even thousands of years. Their immortality means their life can end at any moment; there’s simply no warning until one day it just ceases to be. They operate as mercenaries, working in the dark where they undertake missions they think will be world-altering for the better, stealthily bypassing capture.
Their concealed existence is in danger when a mission goes south, and their powers are showcased to the world through the lens of surveillance. That footage falls into the hands of the pharmaceutical businessman, Steven Merrick, who becomes fascinated with the idea of capturing and using them as test subjects to unlock their regenerative secrets for wealth and dubious medical “innovation.”
Simultaneously, the group collectively experiences a vivid forecast of a new immortal coming to life, and that is Nile Freeman—a young USA Marine who, at the height of a fatal mission in Afghanistan, sustains a deadly laryngeal injury. Andy moves out to capture and protect Nile before the world, and Merrick, can lay claim to her.
Initially, Nile is apprehensive and terrified of her new abilities, but in time, she integrates into the group and understands the pain, solitude, and burden that comes with being immortal. The audience, through her character, grapples with the moral gravity of these ageless soldiers. Each of them deals differently with the trauma of having outlived numerous loved ones, the burden of secrecy, and the consequences of perpetual life and conflict.
Disenchanted with the familiar cycle, Booker turns on the group and gives Merrick the location of the squad, betting on the scientists finding a cure to their never-ending plight. His actions result in Andys’s capture. To make matters worse, Andy realizes that her healing is no longer active; she has lost her immortality. Regardless, she spearheads the mission to save her squad, with Nile who chooses to embrace her new identity coming to her aid.
In a modern high-rise laboratory, the immortals encounter Merrick and his men in a gruesome fight. They work together to successfully kill Merrick, reveal his secret operations to the world, and regain their anonymity. Andy forgives Booker before he is exiled from the group due to his betrayal. The film ends with a twist: in exile, he is confronted by Quynh, Andy’s long-dead companion.
Cast & Characters
Charlize Theron as Andy (Andromache of Scythia) – The oldest member of the group. He is eternally marred by warfare, loss, and leadership. Theron delivers stoic intensity and emotional resonance to the role.
KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman – The first of the new immortals in centuries. She is a U.S. Marine. Nile guides the audience through the world of The Old Guard.
Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker (Sebastian Le Livre) – A Napoleonic-era soldier resigned to an immortal life filled with despair and regret.
Marwan Kenzari as Joe (Yusuf al-Kaysani) – A Crusade-era warrior turned deeply bonded romantic partner of Nicky.
Luca Marinelli as Nicky (Nicolo di Genova) – Joe’s lover and fellow immortal, a former Crusader of the opposing side.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Copley – A CIA agent with a keen interest in the immortals. His obsession becomes the engineer for the main conflict.
Harry Melling as Steven Merrick – The merciless pharmaceutical executive who aims to possess and exploit the immortals for financial gain.
Keywords & Concepts
- Immortality as a Burden
Unlike other films where immortality is regarded as a gift, The Old Guard instead tackles the flipside. The film examines the ways in which eternal life can turn into a burden. The characters have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, incessantly loved and lost an uncountable number of people, and faced endless waves of violence. Booker’s betrayal stems from pain and exhaustion, showcasing the psychological suffering of endless living.
- Redemption and Purpose
Andy’s existential crisis rooted in disillusionment with the world was a challenge to the group’s objective. Her choice to ultimately fight without her immortality is a striking reminder that true heroism is executed through action, not inanity. Nile’s embracing of her role illustrates that even in the midst of fear and confusion, purpose can exist.
- Representation and Diversity
The Old Guard has received accolades for its representation. Joe and Nicky’s relationship as an openly gay couple is depicted with care and depth, not reductionist tokenism. The film also features strong women in leading roles, particularly Andy and Nile. Both are sophisticated, multi-dimensional, and emotionally rich women.
- Ethical Boundaries of Science and Capitalism
The antagonist of the film, Merrick, personifies unfettered corporate capitalism. The immortals are undisputedly captive and their endless life is treated as a scientific “advancement” to be exploited. This scenario raises issues on what the limits of experimentation and exploitation for profit are—pharmaceutical ethics taken to the extreme.
Direction and Style
Unlike action flicks, there is an uncharacteristic emotional aspect in The Old Guard – something that’s usually absent from and often feels missing in typical action films. This is due to director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who is known for more intimate dramas. The choreography for each fight is precise, brutal, and tight, with a visceral realism stemming from the characters’ centuries of combat experience. The building cinematography is sleek yet grounded, character-driven rather than stooping to flashy superhero aesthetics.
Reception and Legacy
Both audiences and critics praised The Old Guard. Viewers appreciated its subdued tone, character-driven narrative, and nuanced genre execution. Theron was praised for her performance in the film, with some claiming it was reminiscent of her role in Mad Max: Fury Road. Following the success of the film, Netflix announced a sequel and viewers were eager to see the return of Quynh and delve deeper into the immortals’ mythology.
Conclusion
With its powerful narrative and emotional affected storyline, The Old Guard came out to be a unique and clever juxtaposition for superhero films. The film captures the true essence of offering a mental struggle by exploring why humans exist, purpose, loss, and examining the impact of control as opposed to relying on capes and CGI effects. The film intellectually reflects maturity being an immortal doesn’t allow one to have invulnerability. The strongest acts of courage stem from those who are willing to give everything, even if death becomes a wager.
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