The Old Guard

Four ancient warriors with no beginning and no end have spent centuries quietly protecting humanity, moving through history as myth and shield. They assemble for perilous missions across continents, relying on hard won teamwork, discipline, and a shared sense of justice to keep their existence hidden. Their immortality is a burden as much as a gift, shaping friendships and testing loyalties when personal losses pile up. A new immortal enters the circle, bringing uncertainty about purpose and vulnerability, while a shadowy force closes in, determined to expose them and seize the powers they guard. The film blends brutal action with character driven moments and a modern moral core.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film adapts Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez's comic The Old Guard, pairing kinetic action with mythic stakes and a focus on ensemble dynamics. It premiered on Netflix in 2020 with a budget of 70 million, led by Charlize Theron alongside KiKi Layne, Veronica Ngo, Matthias Schoenaerts and Marwan Kenzari, supported by a diverse supporting cast.

The film helped elevate Charlize Theron as a lead in a diverse, modern action piece, supported by KiKi Layne and Veronica Ngo. It sparked conversations about representation in genre cinema and the appeal of non traditional superhero teams on streaming. Viewers praised the fresh blend of grounded character writing with stylized combat and globe spanning set pieces.

Critics praised the director's craft, the choreography, and the ensemble, while some noted uneven pacing. The movie grapples with loyalty and moral responsibility across centuries, exploring how power and secrecy shape relationships and the costs of living with endless memory. It also poses questions about what immortality means for personal connection, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with saving lives while remaining in the shadows.

Box office numbers are not widely reported for this title since it released primarily on Netflix, with no traditional theatrical run to tally. The film's reach is measured by streaming viewership and the impact on audience engagement across platforms.