Review: The Old Guard (2020)

The Old Guard (2020)

TLDR: Immortal and yet still unable to elevate this one past your standard run-of-the-mill action flick.

Netflix's newest romp-and-stomp, The Old Guard, based on the comic series by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez, may give you that temporary adrenaline fix you crave but, ultimately, it is fairly standard fare that will likely come and go like so much other contemporary content.

The Old Guard is about a small group of immortals who, throughout history, have acted as a for-hire squad. The team is led by Andy (Charlize Theron), the oldest (and most badass) of the four. The film centres around a plot by a business man (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who seeks to expose the group's incredible power so that another more-cruelly minded business man may distill and capitalize the group's immortality. At the same time, the group becomes aware of a brand new immortal (Kiki Layne) whom they attempt to integrate into their way of life.

The concept - while not entirely original itself - is given an original spin and an innovative angle. Part of the precursor comic's success in making it stand out was in Fernandez's stylish and unique art. This is an area where the film struggles. In most regards, the film looks and feels like your run-of-the-mill action film. There are little-to-no creative/directorial choices that elevates the film from others like it. Despite the fine performances, script and (decent) action, there simply isn't enough here to create a lasting impression that will make audiences come back again to this film or future instalments (which the film does try to set up).

At the end of the day, The Old Guard is a serviceable action film that will hold a viewer's attention for its two-hour runtime with some entertainment here and there. Unfortunately, that's about as far as it goes, which is a shame because the original comic is rich and enjoyable through-and-through. Perhaps this story would have been better served as a series, allowing much time and depth to be given to these intriguing characters. Oh well, on to the next inevitable Netflix adaptation...