The Old Guard: Deconstructed

Cast: Charlize Theron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kiki Layne, Marwan Kenzari

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Streaming: Netflix

Deconstruct meter: 6/10

As much as Charlize Theron piqued my eagerness to check out this new film on Netflix, the title kept it all under control. The Old Guard: Another made-for-Netflix action film with a popular star fronting an otherwise not so popular cast.

The action unfolds in Marrakesh and moves through Afghanistan and Paris to culminate in London. Apart from scintillating cinematography, Charlize Theron doing action is ALMOST as smooth as Keanu Reeves doing a John Wick. In parts, it is reminiscent of Atomic Blonde and Mad Max but as the movie progresses, the audience is blown away by the primary premise. It is unlike anything I have seen before and though it has its highs and lows, it kinked my curiosity about the world of Andy and her army of four. All of them immortals. All of them soldiers of fortune, out there to do some good.

Based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novel series by the same name, Charlize Theron produces and stars in this part myth part fiction genre of cinema. Theron’s Baklava loving Andromache (Andy) is an OLD immortal mercenary and there are four more like her. The word OLD not being rhetorical here. Andy’s army has a guy who fought in the crusades and another who fought alongside Napoleon. They are really OLD, and they have magical healing powers making them immortal and invincible. A young pharma prodigy is behind them in order to extract their DNA and heal the world as we know it. A new young immortal is discovered while all this happens. THAT is the premise of this film which is a sure shot contender to become a franchise.

The first hour of the film is very fluid and keeps one entertained. The action choreography is jaw dropping and Charlize Theron takes it to another level. The combined use of a gun and a sword simultaneously makes the sequences insane. A rescue mission in South Sudan goes sideways and the action unfolds. The movie enters cliched territory after a brilliant introduction and becomes borderline boring at times. Chiwetel Ejiofor portrays an agency liaison who sets up Andy and company into a straightforward climax.

Apart from brilliant action choreography, the bits of back story of characters is very interesting and rest assured, sequels are in the works for sure. I was looking forward for more action though. The incessant and untimely use of music ruins the screenplay and takes the edge off rather than adding to it. The climax is textbook, but it sets up the franchise brilliantly for upcoming films. And trust me, there would be more.

What does not work for the film is an amateur antagonist, characters failing to emote effectively and a lot of unanswered questions. However, the part about unanswered questions will surely be covered in the later sequels. There are four books. That translates into 2 more movies at least.

Watch The Old Guard if you are an unabated action film buff and/or a Charlize Theron fan. Luckily for me, I belong to both the categories and I cannot wait for the sequels. Hope they would be better and a notch higher in terms of action.