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Action thriller

The Old Guard (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Old Guard (2020) movie poster

The Old Guard is a 2020 action thriller directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Charlize Theron as Andy, Matthias Schoenaerts and Marwan Kenzari. It is partly based on The Old Guard, Book One: Opening Fire by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández. It runs 2 hours 5 minutes and earned $5,972 worldwide on a $70 million budget. It earned 3 award nominations, including Best Actress in a Film at the Saturn Awards 2021. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
80%
worldwide gross
$6K
award nominations
3
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The Old Guard (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m (125 min)
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$70M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is The Old Guard About?

The premise of The Old Guard without spoilers, adapted from The Old Guard, Book One: Opening Fire by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

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.

The Old Guard Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay character
  • homosexual
  • immortality
  • gay couple
  • based on comic
  • gay kiss
  • shared dream
  • gay man
  • based on graphic novel
  • superhero action
  • based on comic book
  • female protagonist
+38 more
  • shot to death
  • strong female lead
  • bilingualism
  • magical realism
  • regeneration
  • teamwork
  • female warrior
  • action hero
  • death
  • violence
  • traitor
  • martial arts
  • mixed martial arts
  • gay hero
  • gay superhero
  • lgbt
  • image comics
  • title directed by female
  • gay
  • existentialism
  • heroism
  • bravery
  • gay slur
  • murder
  • science
  • hand to hand combat
  • ranged weapon
  • lgbtq
  • lgbtqi
  • psychotronic film
  • f rated
  • bullet wound
  • gunshot wound
  • marine
  • marine base
  • throat slit
  • flashback
  • courage
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Cast & crew

The Old Guard Cast & Characters

Charlize Theron leads the cast as Andy, with Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker and Marwan Kenzari as Joe. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Gina Prince-Bythewood

More films directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, best-rated first: Love & Basketball, Beyond the Lights, The Woman King and The Secret Life of Bees.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Old Guard Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Old Guard 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

69 /100

The Old Guard Echo Score Breakdown

In summary, The Old Guard excels in delivering spirited action and a compelling lead performance, while its narrative occasionally succumbs to predictability. The cast chemistry and emotional undercurrents enrich key moments, even as some subplots and the central antagonist feel underdeveloped. Visually, the film maintains a polished look, and its thoughtful pacing engages most audiences. Overall, the movie offers a satisfying blend of entertainment and emotional depth with minor narrative shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, the film delivers competent direction and fluid camerawork that enhance the action sequences. The editing supports clear spatial geography, though some exposition scenes feel weighed down. Production design blends ancient and modern aesthetics effectively, yet occasional set pieces lack distinctiveness. Overall, the technical craftsmanship remains solid but conventional.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, Charlize Theron’s performance anchors the narrative with measured intensity and resolve. Supporting cast members display strong camaraderie, though some secondary characters remain underexplored. Emotional stakes rise effectively in key interactions, but the central antagonist lacks depth. Overall, the character work provides engagement despite occasional thinness.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the film introduces an engaging premise of immortal warriors confronting existential questions. The pacing remains measured, balancing character moments and set pieces, though it occasionally drags during heavy exposition. Plot twists offer intrigue but the villain’s predictability and some underused subplots temper originality. Overall, the narrative is solid with moderate lapses.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to sensory experience, the sound design proves crisp and impactful, emphasizing both action beats and quieter moments. The musical score complements emotional peaks without overpowering the mix. Visually, the film maintains a cohesive aesthetic that merges gritty realism with stylized effects. Overall, the sensory elements contribute to an immersive and engaging atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s polished action choreography and distinctive premise invite repeat viewings. Key set pieces retain excitement on subsequent watches, and Charlize Theron’s performance remains compelling. However, the limited depth of certain characters and a predictable antagonist reduce long-term appeal. Overall, the movie holds moderate replay value despite some narrative constraints.

Plot

The Old Guard Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Old Guard from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Andromache of Scythia, known as Andy (played by Charlize Theron), is a centuries-old warrior who, alongside her comrades Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli), possesses incredible regenerative healing abilities. These steadfast mercenaries utilize their extensive experience to take on missions aimed at helping those in need. However, they break their own rule of collaborating with the same employers only once when they accept a task from former CIA operative James Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to rescue a group of kidnapped girls in South Sudan. Copley persuades Andy and Booker that if they don’t act swiftly, the girls will vanish forever.

Full summary

The whole story of The Old Guard, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The Old Guard Box Office & Budget

The Old Guard grossed $5,972 worldwide on a $70 million budget.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$6K

International
$6K
Budget
$70M
Awards

The Old Guard Awards & Nominations

The Old Guard earned 3 award nominations, including Best Actress in a Film at the Saturn Awards 2021.

3 nominations1 ceremony

Videos

The Old Guard Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

The Old Guard | Official Trailer | Netflix
  • Featurette The Old Guard Through History
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Old Guard?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Andromache the Scythian more commonly known as?

Cars

Cars in The Old Guard

19 cars on screen, including the AM General HMMWV M1025 and the 2007 Audi A6 C6.

All 19 cars
  • AM General HMMWV M1025 in The Old Guard AM General HMMWV M1025 Important role
  • 2007 Audi A6 C6 in The Old Guard 2007 Audi A6 C6 Important role
  • 1973 BMW 520 E12 in The Old Guard 1973 BMW 520 E12 Important role
  • Motobécane 881 in The Old Guard Motobécane 881 Minor role
Details

The Old Guard Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “Старая гвардия” and “Ölümsüzlük”.

Also known as
  • Старая гвардия
  • Ölümsüzlük
  • オールドガード
  • 不死軍團
  • الحرّاس الخالدون
  • Бессмертная гвардия
  • 올드 가드
  • La vieja guardia
  • 永生守卫
  • Стара гвардія
  • A halhatatlan gárda
  • The Old Guard: Những chiến binh bất tử, ძველი გვარდია
+13 more
  • משמר האלמוות
  • Old Guard: Nesmrtelní
  • A Velha Guarda
  • ดิ โอลด์ การ์ด
  • Η Παλιά Φρουρά
  • オールド・ガード
  • Безсмъртни бойци
  • Vechea gardă
  • Senoji gvardija
  • نگهبان قدیمی
  • Stara garda
  • La vella guàrdia
  • अमर योद्धा

Seen The Old Guard?

FAQ

The Old Guard FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of The Old Guard, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Old Guard?

The Old Guard runs 2 hours 5 minutes (125 minutes).

When was The Old Guard released?

The Old Guard was released on July 10, 2020.

Who directed The Old Guard?

The Old Guard was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

More films by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Who is in the cast of The Old Guard?

The Old Guard stars Charlize Theron as Andy, Matthias Schoenaerts as Booker and Marwan Kenzari as Joe, among 13 credited actors.

How much did The Old Guard make at the box office?

The Old Guard grossed $5,972 worldwide on a budget of $70 million.

How is The Old Guard rated?

The Old Guard has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 71% on TMDB.

Is The Old Guard based on a book?

Yes. The Old Guard is partly adapted from The Old Guard, Book One: Opening Fire by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández.

Was The Old Guard nominated for any awards?

The Old Guard received 3 nominations across 1 ceremony.

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