The Old Guard (2020)

Many are calling The Old Guard a "superhero film" but I think that's misleading. I get why people say that. It's based on a comic book and features characters who have unreal abilities (in this case being unable to die). But "superheros" are, most of the time,  something different than what's here. Don't expect costumes, a variety of superpowers, codenames, or super villains. The Old Guard is more spy/action movie with this one fantastic element thrown in. Sure one can define "superhero" however you want but there is something that just doesn't quite fit with that label here. This is an exploration of something different, immortality, and its consequences.

The idea of immortality and the challenges that supposedly attractive idea presents is one that has been explored to death (pun intended) so The Old Guard has its own challenge to make those questions interesting again. What does it mean to live forever and why is that not the blessing it might seem at first blush? I felt The Old Guard does find an interesting question relating to this to wrestle with. Is there a responsibility to share? In a world of death, suffering and disease, and in a world of scientific expertise, is there a way to learn to be immortal? And if it requires the torture and suffering of some, does that make it worth it? I like the fact the film doesn't necessarily solve the conundrum, even if the film sort of skirts the issue a bit.

So while the questions it asks feel novel, The Old Guard takes a rather mainstream, traditional approach to telling its story. From its story structure and cinematic approach, The Old Guard isn't offering much new. There are the typical but well executed action sequences, the not really surprising twists and betrayals, the typical sacrificed characters, and final heroic redeeming saves. But it does find a new question and story to deal with immortality. And even if it's underlying story is rather straightforward it remains entertaining.

But every now and then The Old Guard surprises. There is a queer couple in the group (I'm not spoiling anything) and at one point a villain refers to one as the other's "boyfriend." The one goes into a beautiful speech about how the word in no way encapsulates the magnitude or breadth of just who they are to each other.

And it's moments like that which made The Old Guard more than what it could have been. We haven't seen the streaming world produce a franchise yet. Maybe this "superhero" movie could be that.

The Old Guard
Starring: Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Luca Marinelli
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writer: Greg Rucka