The Old Guard: Netflix’s Number One Action Thriller
Based on the graphic novels by Greg Rucka, The Old Guard was first released on Netflix on 10th July, and is the one of the most watched Netflix films ever!
The Old Guard focusses on four immortal warriors: Andy/Andromache of Scythia (Charlize Theron), Booker/Sebastian le Livre (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe/Yusuf Al-Jaysani (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky/Nicolo di Genova (Luca Marinelli). The ageless warriors – who cannot seem to die (at least not permanently) – have been protecting humanity for over a millennia.
When US Afghanistan marine Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne) awakes to find her fatal wounds have magically healed and she is still alive. Learning that she is a fifth immortal warrior, Andy tracks Nile down (as they connect to one another via dreams) and saves her from being sent away for testing. With a bit of force, she manages to persuade Nile to join the gang.
*Warning – spoilers ahead!*
Image Source: /Digital Spy
Who Are The Main Characters?
Andy/Andromache of Scythia – D.O.B. Estimated 4700BC
With bonafide badass Charlize Theron as Andy (original name: Andromache of Scythia), she is the oldest member and leader of the immortal gang.
She is supposedly around 6000 years old but her exact age is unknown. According to Booker, she’s likely forgotten it at this point.
Image Source: /Polygon
Booker/Sebastian Le Livre – D.O.B. 1770
Born as French soldier Sebastian Le Livre, Booker (as he is now known) died fighting under Napolean before he joined forces with Andy and the other members.
Image Source: /Vulture
Joe/Yusuf Al-Kaysani – D.O.B. 1066
Joe (original name: Yusuf) was a muslim warrior who fought in the Crusades before discovering his immortality. He fought against his fellow immortal warrior and husband Nicky whilst they battled on opposite sides in the war.
Image Source: /Vulture
Nicky/Nicolo di Genova – D.O.B. 1069
Nicky (original name: Nicolo) was a former Italian warrior who fought against Joe in the Crusades before the pair fell in love and joined Andy’s immortal squad.
Relationship goals!
Image Source: /Vulture
Nile Freeman – D.O.B. 1994
In the present day, when US marine Nile Freeman is killed in action whilst fighting in Afghanistan, she awakes to find the wound on her throat where it was slit has healed itself.
When the immortal gang are alerted to the existence of a new immortal, Andy tracks Nile down and persuades her to join them.
Image Source: /Chicago Tribune
Also joining the cast is Chiwetel Ejiofor as former CIA agent James Copley and Harry Melling as the evil CEO of pharmaceuticals, Steven Merrick.
What Makes The Old Guard So Great?
Well, first of all it stars Charlize Theron which automatically elevates its status dramatically, but it also breaks a lot of traditional action movie tropes; adding a layer of refreshing authenticity that breaks the stereotypical narratives we’re used to!
For instance, the cast is extremely diverse; casting actors from Belgian, Dutch, and Italian backgrounds. Not to mention, a black woman and a gay couple are central characters in the narrative.
Image Source: /Vox
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood says that 85% of the post production team were women and AMEN TO THAT!
The Old Guard has been streaming to more than 72 million households worldwide; breaking viewing records in its first month. Within days of its release, fans were already demanding a sequel and begging for potential spin-offs.
Image Source: /NME.com
The Cliffhanger Ending Has Set Up The Grounds For A Sequel *Spoiler Alert*
As the film closes with the shock reappearance of Andy’s old companion Quynh. Quynh, previously sent to a watery grave and forced to drown for an eternity, shows up alive and well on Booker’s doorstep (well, breaks into his home) and a lot has been set up for a sequel!
Talks of a trilogy series are in the works and writer of the original graphic novels Greg Rucka says he is all for it:
‘If they decide to do another one, I am absolutely there for it. One of the things that I do like about the movie is that while the film has what I call a ‘In case of sequel, break glass’ scene, the movie does not demand a sequel.
‘It’s not a story where you reach the end and they’ve actually hit an end.’
Image Source: /Newsweek
Hmm not sure the fans would agree with you there Greg! We demand a sequel!
The Old Guard starring Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Harry Melling is available to stream on Netflix.