The Old Guard

The Old Guard

Year: 2020

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Echo Score: 69

Budget: $70M

ActionAdventureThrillerFantasy

A covert group of immortal mercenaries, led by the skilled and battle-hardened Andy, has quietly defended humanity for centuries. Their existence is shattered when a mercenary team uncovers their secret, exposing them to a shadowy organization determined to weaponize their abilities. Now, facing relentless pursuit, the Old Guard must band together to protect their world and fight for their right to exist, confronting both external threats and internal conflicts that test their loyalty and immortality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Old Guard (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Old Guard (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

Set in contemporary times, the narrative explores the implications of immortality amidst modern warfare and corporate greed. This era reflects the ongoing conflicts faced by soldiers and the lengths to which people will go in pursuit of power and knowledge, particularly in the realm of biotechnology.

Location

South Sudan, France, Afghanistan, London

The movie traverses multiple locations, with significant events taking place in South Sudan, where the team embarks on a rescue mission, and Afghanistan, where Nile's journey begins. France serves as a sanctuary for the group, allowing them to regroup and share their experiences. London becomes the backdrop for the climactic confrontation against Merrick's forces.

🌍 Locations 🏙️ Cities

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

Main Characters – The Old Guard (2020)

Meet the key characters of The Old Guard (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Andy (Charlize Theron)

Andy is a formidable and experienced warrior, burdened by centuries of existence. She exhibits strength and leadership but also carries deep emotional scars from her past. Her journey is defined by a fierce protectiveness over her comrades, revealing her vulnerability beneath a tough exterior.

🗡️ Warrior 👩‍⚖️ Leader

Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts)

Booker is a complex character torn between loyalty to his comrades and personal despair. His internal conflict leads him to act against Andy, a decision that haunts him and leads to severe consequences. His story illustrates the toll of immortality on personal relationships.

🤔 Conflicted 😔 Traitor

Nile Freeman (KiKi Layne)

Nile is a young and resilient U.S. Marine, whose life takes an unexpected turn upon discovering her own immortality. She embodies hope and determination, grappling with her newfound identity while striving to make sense of her place among the immortals. Her journey emphasizes the theme of learning and adaptation.

🌟 Newcomer 🦸‍♀️ Resilient

Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor)

Copley is a former CIA operative whose actions propel the story. Initially driven by a desire to aid the immortals, his moral compass becomes ambiguous as he faces the consequences of his decisions. His character arc reflects themes of redemption and moral ambiguity in the pursuit of knowledge.

🔄 Redeemer 🕵️‍♂️ Manipulative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

Major Themes – The Old Guard (2020)

Explore the central themes of The Old Guard (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Immortality

The struggle of immortality is a central theme, as the characters grapple with the benefits and burdens of their regenerative abilities. While they have the capacity to heal and endure, they also face the harsh realities of betrayal and loss. Their experience of eternal life comes with profound psychological impacts, as seen in their reflections on the past and their fears of vulnerability.

🛡️ Sacrifice

Sacrifice resonates throughout the story, not only in the physical battles fought but also in the emotional decisions made by the characters. Andy sacrifices her safety to protect Nile and her team, while Booker experiences the consequences of his betrayal. The theme highlights the moral dilemmas faced by those who are tasked with safeguarding others at personal costs.

🔍 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges as a crucial theme, manifesting in the actions of Booker and the duplicitous nature of Copley’s intentions. Trust is fractured among the team, leading to devastating choices that impact their dynamics. This theme underscores the complexities of loyalty and the challenges faced by those who live outside conventional morality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:52

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about weary immortals like The Old Guard

Ancient warriors grappling with the loneliness and trauma of everlasting life.If you enjoyed The Old Guard's exploration of immortality's heavy toll, you'll find similar stories here. These movies feature ancient characters grappling with eternity, loneliness, and the trauma of endless time, often blending high-stakes action with deep emotional weight in a dark, fast-paced narrative.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around characters confronting the downsides of their immortality. Conflicts are often internal, dealing with grief and loss, as well as external, with forces seeking to exploit their power. Character arcs focus on finding new purpose or re-engaging with a world that constantly changes around them.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together by their central theme of immortality as a curse rather than a gift. They share a dark, melancholic tone, heavy emotional weight, and often feature intense action that contrasts with the characters' profound world-weariness.

Action movies about found family under siege like The Old Guard

Tight-knit teams of outlaws or warriors fighting to protect their own.For viewers who loved the loyal dynamics and high-stakes action of The Old Guard's team. This collection features movies where a close-knit family of warriors or outcasts must band together against overwhelming odds, facing betrayal and sacrifice in fast-paced, intense thrillers.

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically involves a formidable external enemy discovering or targeting the group, forcing them into a defensive battle. A key narrative beat is the testing of loyalty, often through a betrayal or sacrifice, which strengthens their bond by the end. The action is brutal and serves to underscore the stakes for the family unit.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific blend of fast-paced, brutal action with a heavy emotional core focused on loyalty, teamwork, and sacrifice. The tone is dark and tense, but the unwavering bond of the 'found family' provides a sliver of hope amidst the chaos.

Unlock the Full Story of The Old Guard

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Old Guard in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Old Guard is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Old Guard Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Old Guard, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Old Guard Summary

The Old Guard Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Old Guard with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Old Guard Timeline

The Old Guard Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Old Guard? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Old Guard Ending Explained

The Old Guard Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Old Guard that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Old Guard Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Old Guard

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Old Guard: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Old Guard

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