The Old Guard
Movie Trailer
Release Date
July 10, 2020
Genre
Action, Fantasy, Superhero
Cast & Crew
- Charlize Theron as Andy / Andromache of Scythia
- KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman
- Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker / Sebastian le Livre
- Marwan Kenzari as Joe / Yusuf Al-Kaysani
- Luca Marinelli as Nicky / Nicolo di Genova
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Copley
- Harry Melling as Steven Merrick
Director
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Love & Basketball (2000)
- The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
- Beyond the Lights (2014)
- The Woman King (2022)
Producer
- David Ellison
- Dana Goldberg
- Charlize Theron
- Beth Kono
- A.J. Dix
- Marc Evans
- Don Granger
Writer
- Greg Rucka (screenplay)
Based on the graphic novel The Old Guard by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández
Budget
$70 million
Production Company
- Skydance Media
- Denver and Delilah Productions
- Marc Evans Productions
Running Time
125 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Language throughout
- Some sexual content
- Intense action sequences
Movie Story
The Old Guard is a gripping action-fantasy film that follows a covert team of immortal mercenaries who have secretly protected humanity for centuries. Led by Andromache of Scythia, known as Andy (Charlize Theron), the group’s extraordinary ability to heal from any wound and resurrect after death makes them virtually invincible. However, their secret is at risk of being exposed when they are targeted by a powerful corporation eager to exploit their powers for profit.
The story begins with the introduction of a new member, Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne), a U.S. Marine who discovers her own immortality after surviving a fatal wound in combat. Andy and her team—Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli)—rescue Nile and bring her into their fold, explaining their shared immortality and the burdens that come with it.
As the team attempts to maintain their anonymity, they are betrayed by a former ally, Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is working with pharmaceutical executive Steven Merrick (Harry Melling). Merrick plans to capture the immortals and harness their regenerative abilities for profit, regardless of the ethical implications. The Old Guard must fight to protect their freedom and keep their secret safe, all while grappling with the existential weight of their endless lives.
The film explores themes of mortality, loyalty, and the moral complexities of immortality. Andy, who has lived for thousands of years, is weary of the endless cycle of violence and loss. Nile, as the newest member, struggles to come to terms with her new reality and the loss of her former life. Together, the team must confront their pasts and their purpose in a world that constantly changes around them.
Special Effects
The special effects in The Old Guard are crucial in bringing the film’s action-packed sequences and supernatural elements to life. The visual effects team expertly handles the depiction of the characters’ regenerative abilities, with seamless transitions between intense fight scenes and moments of miraculous healing. The film’s combat choreography is also a standout, featuring dynamic and brutal action scenes that highlight the characters’ centuries of combat experience. The blend of practical effects and CGI helps to create a visually engaging and realistic portrayal of the team’s immortality and the high-stakes battles they face.
Box Office Performance
The Old Guard was released on Netflix and quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films, amassing over 78 million views in its first month. The film’s success led to discussions about potential sequels and further exploration of the characters and world introduced in the film. Although it didn’t have a traditional box office run, the movie’s popularity on streaming solidified its place as a significant entry in the action-fantasy genre.
Filming Locations
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Shepperton Studios, Surrey, England, UK
- Watlington, Oxfordshire, England, UK
- Lysefjord, Norway
Notable Quotes
- “Just because we keep living doesn’t mean we stop hurting.” – Andy
- “You can’t tell anyone. You gotta keep this quiet, for your own good.” – Andy
- “Everything that lives has to die.” – Nile Freeman
Behind-the-Scenes
Gina Prince-Bythewood became the first Black woman to direct a major superhero film with The Old Guard. She brought a unique blend of character-driven storytelling and high-octane action to the film, earning praise for balancing the emotional depth of the characters with the intense action sequences. Charlize Theron, who also served as a producer, underwent extensive training for the role, performing many of her own stunts. The film’s success on Netflix led to the announcement of a sequel, with plans to further explore the rich mythology and characters established in the first film.
Awards
- Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Action Movie
- Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actress in an Action Movie (Charlize Theron)
- Nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Final Verdict
The Old Guard is a thrilling and thought-provoking entry in the action-fantasy genre, offering a fresh take on the concept of immortality. With standout performances, particularly from Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne, and expertly crafted action sequences, the film successfully blends blockbuster entertainment with deeper themes of identity, purpose, and the cost of eternal life. Fans of action films with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy in The Old Guard, making it a must-watch for those seeking a film that combines heart-pounding excitement with meaningful storytelling.
IMDb Rating
6.6/10