The Old Guard

The Old Guard from 2020, headlined by the formidable Charlize Theron, is an exquisite blend of action, fantasy and drama genres that propels the conventional superhero narrative into unexplored territories. Produced by Netflix as part of its original features roster, the movie stands out with its sleek production values and storyline that balances the thrill of an action film with the depth of a character-driven drama.

Directed by the prolific Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her work in movies like Love & Basketball and Beyond the Lights, the movie enhances its action-packed story with elements of an age-old myth. It is based on the eponymous graphic novel series by Greg Rucka. Charlize Theron is at the heart of this group of immortals as Andy, short for Andromache of Scythia. Theron, once again, proves the range of her prowess as an actress by adding noteworthy depth to a character that could have easily devolved into a one-note action heroine in less skilled hands.

Set in a contemporary world where covert wars and corporate deceit are the norm, the immortals form a centuries-old team of mercenaries led by Andromache (Andy). These warriors, impervious to death, carry a sense of weariness about their constant resurrection from fatal blows. They bear the historical weight of incomprehensible lifetimes, temporarily dying over and over, only to revive with the memories of their deaths intact.

Joining Theron in this eclectic cast is newcomer KiKi Layne, who shines in her role as Nile, a US Marine who discovers her own immortality to her shock and denial, beings a character arc that is compelling to watch on screen. With great nuance, KiKi Layne portrays the struggle of Nile's grappling to understand her new nature. Nile serves as an effective audience stand-in, grappling with the revelation of the extraordinary as viewers of the movie do the same.

The Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker showcases a splendid performance, reserving a depth of character whilst engaging in intense fight scenes. He, as well as Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli playing Joe and Nicky respectively, who also share a profound romantic relationship, conveying centuries' worth of emotion in spite of their handful of scenes, provide the compelling backbone of the movie.

Prince-Bythewood masterfully leverages the film’s rich concept, ensuring that every element of the story feeds into one another seamlessly, exploring broad themes such as the fear of death, the beauty and pain of immortality, morality and the complexity of eternity. This creates an emotional depth that is not always explored in commercially-viable action films.

The action set-pieces, vividly crafted by fight choreographer Danny Hernandez, are visceral delights. There are intensely executed battle sequences that do an excellent job of displaying the characters as skilled combatants who have perfected their craft over centuries. Effective use of both hand-to-hand combat and a diverse range of weapons adds to the dramatic tension. Furthermore, the violence is never romanticised. It thrives on realism, creating a jarring visual contrast to the more fantastical elements of the plot.

Theron's Andy totes a battle ax, which acts as an effective visual metaphor for the merging of the past, where an ax would have been a weapon of choice, with the present world filled with automatic guns and high-tech surveillance. It's this blend of the ancient and the modern that instills The Old Guard with a distinct flavor.

Innovation extends to the film’s visual language as well, with exquisite cinematography by Barry Ackroyd and Tami Reiker. Every frame feels purposeful, meticulously composed to enrich the narrative.

While The Old Guard doesn't shy away from its gritty action, it equally shines through exploring the psychological toll of immortality. It asks viewers to contemplate what it means to watch humanity repeat its mistakes over millennia, the loneliness of outliving everyone you care about, and the exhaustion of eternal life.

The climax of the movie kindles the promise of a sequel, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats and wanting more from the unique universe it constructs. The Old Guard is more than just an adrenaline-fueled action flick. It is a tale of humanity and mortality told through the eyes of the immortal, moulding a memorable and unique narrative that leaves a lasting impression.