The Old Guard (2020)

The Old Guard is a 2020 action-fantasy film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on the comic book series by Greg Rucka, who also wrote the screenplay. The film tells the story of a group of centuries-old immortal mercenaries who secretly protect the mortal world. With stylized action, moral complexity, and a unique premise, the film balances superhero mythos with grounded human drama.

Detailed Summary

The Immortal Mercenaries

The movie opens with a voiceover by Andromache of Scythia, aka Andy (Charlize Theron), who leads a covert group of immortal warriors: Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli). They’ve lived for centuries, fighting wars and protecting humanity in the shadows. The film immediately sets up the group’s weariness—being immortal isn’t glamorous; it’s lonely and painful.

Andy and her team are recruited by former CIA agent Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) for a mission in South Sudan, supposedly to rescue kidnapped girls. But it’s a setup—Copley is working for Merrick (Harry Melling), a ruthless pharmaceutical executive who wants to capture and experiment on the immortals to unlock the secret of their regenerative abilities.

The Emergence of a New Immortal

Parallel to this betrayal, we meet Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne), a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan who’s killed in action—only to miraculously come back to life. She shares a telepathic connection with the others and is quickly located by Andy, who forcibly brings her into the fold. Nile resists at first, struggling with the loss of her old life, but soon realizes she has no choice—her fate is sealed.

Captured and Betrayed

As Nile trains with Andy, the rest of the team is ambushed and captured by Merrick’s forces. Booker, disillusioned by centuries of immortality and hoping Merrick’s research might end their suffering, betrays the team by tipping off Copley. His betrayal is revealed too late, and Merrick captures Joe and Nicky for experimentation.

Redemption and Rescue

Andy, who shockingly discovers she is beginning to lose her immortality, joins Nile and Copley (who has had a change of heart) in a last-ditch mission to rescue the team. The infiltration of Merrick’s lab is a brutal, thrilling action sequence, with Nile sacrificing herself—or so it seems—to save Andy and the others.

Andy confronts Merrick despite no longer being able to heal. Nile, who survives, delivers the final blow by throwing Merrick out of a window, killing him and ending the experimentations.

Movie Ending

The movie ends on a bittersweet note. Booker, because of his betrayal, is exiled from the group for 100 years—an ironic punishment for someone who can’t die. Andy, having lost her immortality, accepts her new vulnerable state but continues to fight for good, now with Nile officially joining the team.

Copley is entrusted with the task of helping the Old Guard operate more covertly and ethically, using his access to information to guide them to missions that matter.

In the final scene, we get a stinger that flips the table: Booker, now living alone in exile, returns to his apartment only to find a mysterious woman waiting. It’s Quynh, Andy’s former partner who was thought to have drowned centuries ago, trapped in an iron coffin at the bottom of the sea. Her sudden return, and unreadable expression, sets up a darker sequel trajectory—possibly filled with revenge or redemption.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no traditional post-credits scene, but there is a mid-credits scene that reveals Quynh’s return. This is crucial for setting up the sequel, The Old Guard 2, and hints at major consequences from the past coming back to haunt the team.

Type of Movie

The Old Guard is a supernatural action thriller with strong fantasy and sci-fi elements. It also incorporates drama and philosophical undertones, especially around the meaning of immortality, loss, and purpose.

Cast

• Charlize Theron as Andromache of Scythia (Andy)
• KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman
• Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker
• Marwan Kenzari as Joe
• Luca Marinelli as Nicky
• Chiwetel Ejiofor as Copley
• Harry Melling as Merrick
• Van Veronica Ngo as Quynh

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O’Halloran, blending orchestral drama with electronic motifs to match the film’s modern tone. Tracks emphasize tension, combat, and emotional beats. Several contemporary songs also play throughout the movie, grounding the fantasy in a familiar sonic world.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in several international locations:

• United Kingdom: including Shepperton Studios and Surrey countryside
• Morocco: for desert and war zone scenes
• France: including Paris for flashback and historical scenes

These locations were vital to capturing the global scale of the Old Guard’s operations and their long history of influence across cultures and continents.

Awards and Nominations

While not a major awards darling, The Old Guard received:

• Critics Choice Super Award for Best Superhero Movie
• Nominations for Best Action Movie and Best Actress in an Action Movie (Charlize Theron) at various genre-specific award ceremonies

It was praised particularly for its action choreography and inclusion of a gay romance without reducing it to a subplot.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Charlize Theron did most of her own stunts, training in martial arts and swordplay.
• The screenplay was adapted by Greg Rucka, the original comic’s writer—rare for adaptations.
• The fight choreography was designed by the same team behind John Wick, emphasizing brutal realism.
• Quynh’s iron coffin drowning concept was inspired by medieval torture methods, adding psychological horror.
• The director, Gina Prince-Bythewood, became the first Black woman to direct a big-budget comic book film.

Inspirations and References

• Based on the Image Comics graphic novel The Old Guard by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández.
• Philosophically inspired by works like Highlander, though more grounded.
• Themes also echo classics like Watchmen (ethics of power) and Logan (facing mortality after long life).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• An alternate ending with more closure for Quynh’s fate was reportedly considered but ultimately removed to keep the mystery alive.
• Deleted scenes mostly involved expanded flashbacks of Andy and Quynh’s past.
• A longer, bloodier version of the Merrick lab fight was also trimmed for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film closely follows Volume 1 of the comic but:

• Adds more emotional depth to Nile’s character
• Expands Joe and Nicky’s romantic arc
• Alters Quynh’s fate from the comic (where she dies permanently) to set up a sequel

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The ambush in South Sudan, showcasing the team’s resurrection powers
• Nile’s awakening and her first fight with Andy on the plane
• The emotional scene of Joe and Nicky declaring their love during captivity
• Quynh’s flashback and fate—one of the darkest moments in the film
• The Merrick tower assault—brutal, elegant, and earned

Iconic Quotes

• Joe (about Nicky): “He’s not my boyfriend. He’s all and he’s more.”
• Andy: “Just because we keep living doesn’t mean we stop hurting.”
• Nile: “You’ve got questions? I get it. But right now, I need you to get on board or get out of my way.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Andy’s full name—Andromache of Scythia—references real ancient warrior tribes.
• The book Nile is seen reading is Their Eyes Were Watching God, a subtle nod to Black womanhood and independence.
• Joe and Nicky’s relationship is based on real historic soldiers thought to be lovers.
• Copley’s wall of victims the Old Guard saved includes photos referencing actual historical events.

Trivia

• Charlize Theron broke two teeth during filming but didn’t halt production.
• The film was Netflix’s 6th most-watched original movie as of 2021.
• Nile’s character was added to the comics after the movie was developed.
• The Old Guard sequel was greenlit almost immediately after release due to fan demand.

Why Watch?

The Old Guard is not just another immortal-super-soldier movie. It offers:

• A thoughtful take on the cost of eternal life
• Complex, diverse characters
• Grounded action sequences that feel earned and realistic
• A refreshing blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and philosophical drama

It’s ideal for those who enjoy gritty action with emotional weight, and fans of comic book films that dare to ask deeper questions.

Director’s Other Movies

• Love & Basketball (2000)
• The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
• Beyond the Lights (2014)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Logan (2017)
• Extraction (2020)
• Highlander (1986)
• Watchmen (2009)
• Wanted (2008)
• Atomic Blonde (2017)