The Old Guard ♾
Happy Thursday! I hope you’re having a great week.
Today’s movie is the sci-fi action The Old Guard (2020)—streaming on Netflix—another great new release from this week (check out Monday’s rec here). Director Gina Prince-Bythewood was tapped to direct a Spider-Man movie until the infamous “creative differences” excuse had her separate from the project. Instead, she tackled another comic book adaptation, Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez’s The Old Guard.
Here’s what it’s about: A group of centuries-old immortal warriors led by Andy (Charlize Theron) finds themselves under attack by a pharmaceutical company looking to study them for science. To survive, they must find their newest member Nile (Kiki Layne) and eliminate the threat. [Trailer // 125 mins]
Why you should watch it: The Old Guard feels familiar. It follows the typical Hollywood action blockbuster formula, has the archetypes we’ve come to expect and a premise that we’ve seen before. Prince-Bythewood finds moments to give The Old Guard a completely singular flair that feels as invigorating as it is groundbreaking. Each character, some centuries years old and aware of the labors and joys of their immortality and some newly struggling with it, is finely carved out to have a past that informs their present motivations. They’re the definitions of lived-in.
In particular, it’s Nicky (Luca Marinelli) and Joe’s (Marwan Kenzari) story that feels most meaningful. Despite the uniqueness as a gay couple in a major action blockbuster, Prince-Bythewood treats them with normalcy, which adds to their impact. Their centuries-long love story has importance in their part of the narrative. Their love adds to the story’s stakes. It’s through their adversity that we also find their moral drive. [Full review]
📺 The Old Guard is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Pair it with 🍷
Upgrade: Set in a near-future where technology controls almost every aspect of life — including our bodies. After a robbery gone wrong leaves his wife dead and himself paralyzed, Grey (Logan Marshall-Green) gets an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that gives him the ability to walk. Unexpectedly, though, he also gets superhuman strength and agility, which he uses to seek revenge. [Where to watch]
Snowpiercer: After humanity is eradicated by a failed experiment to counteract climate change, the last remaining survivors are forced to live on an infinitely running train called Snowpiercer. Two decades later, an entire class system has emerged but Curtis Everett (Chris Evans) and the rest of the passengers in the rear of the train are ready to revolt. [Where to watch]
Have a fabulous weekend. You’re doing great.
See you Monday —
Karl (@karl_delo)