The Old Guard
2020 · Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
Original language: English
- action
- fantasy
The story
Four undying warriors who've secretly protected humanity for centuries become targeted for their mysterious powers just as they discover a new immortal.
What it’s like
Grounded, mostly night-lit action with a clean, legible look: wide shots of European streets in rain, sodium-orange and blue-cast interiors, and handheld camera that stays close to bodies during fights rather than cutting them into confetti. The fight choreography is physical and heavy, with thuds and breath and bodies taking real punishment, and the score pulses with synth and low strings that give the chases a driving momentum. Violence is frequent and fairly graphic, with gunfire, stabbings and some gore, though the immortals' wounds healing on screen keeps it from feeling purely grim. Romance and tenderness run quietly through the middle, and a sapphic love story unfolds with patience and warmth. Pacing alternates between tense set pieces and longer, reflective scenes of ageless people weary of their own history. The emotional register is wry, weary and melancholy, with flashes of dark humour. Best for viewers who like sleek mercenary action with a reflective streak, and a queer romance threaded through a thriller, rather than anything gentle or light.
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