A covert team of immortal mercenaries are suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.
The Old Guard delivers on its promise as a modern action film with an emotional edge. It’s well-paced, entertaining, and Charlize Theron carries the weight of the story with strength and conviction. The main team is well-defined, with interesting dynamics and a genuine sense of camaraderie. The idea of eternal warriors questioning their purpose adds a thoughtful layer rarely explored in this genre.
However, it never quite takes off. The film could use a bit more levity to balance out the heavy existential tone. Its seriousness sometimes works against it. The villain, Merrick, feels flat and nearly cartoonish, which weakens the stakes in the final stretch. Some secondary characters are underdeveloped, and certain subplots don’t add much.
That said, the action scenes are well executed. They’re not groundbreaking, but they’re carefully crafted and, in some moments, elegantly choreographed. The camera work favors fluid motion over flashy tricks, which is refreshing in an era of digital overload. The film also shows a clear intent to build a coherent universe with room for sequels.
It’s no masterpiece, but it’s no disappointment either. With a balance of entertainment, restrained emotion, and sincere effort, it stands above average in Netflix’s action catalog. Enjoyable, but you’re left wondering what it could have been with a sharper villain and a touch more humor.
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