As a fan of The Old Guard comic by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández, I was pretty psyched to see the new film which we be released on Netflix on July 10.

Greg Rucka is already one of my favorite writers, and the fact that he adapted the screenplay made me even more anxious to see the film.  While the comic is filled with action and a well crafted story, the magic is in the depth of the characters.

The Old Guard is a team of immortal mercenaries that have fought for centuries to protect others and ‘do the right thing’.  The team is comprised of four main characters (all brilliantly played): Joe (Marwan Kenzari), Nicky (Luca Marinelli), Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts) and is led by Andromache the Scythian, but you can call her Andy (Charlize Theron).

Chiwetel Ejiofor also starts as a former CIA-agent who enlists the Old Guard on a mission, but has his own agenda.  Harry Melling plays the true villain, a big pharma CEO, who will stop at nothing to discover the secret to immortality.

The movie opens with a reunion of the characters after a one year break from their covert world saving missions.  Andy steals the scene as she effortlessly determines the origin and ingredients in a piece of baklava. (She had me at baklava!)

As a martial artist and stunt performer I feel obligated to comment on the fight scenes.  The first action sequence is straight out of the comic book showcasing the team’s immortal abilities.

My preference for action sequences are wider shots showcasing the beauty of the choreography, and I miss that in some of the sequences.  I also would’ve liked to see the labrys used a little more (as one who really loves traditional weapons).

However, there are some very kick ass moments that make Charlize look like a legit fighter.  My favorite fight sequence is a short exchange in which Andy takes out a few marines.  I also enjoyed the finale because it shows the team working together to protect one of their own.  What really stands out is the authenticity to each character’s fighting style and the realistic choreography.  (I’m tired of seeing wire work and over the top stunt work where it is not needed)

The fast paced action and fight sequences enhance the film, but the characters and their relationships are what really drives it.

New immortals are discovered through dreaming.  While on their mission, the team simultaneously dream and see a new member appear, a marine named Nile (Kiki Layne).  The team recruits the hesitant Nile, and she struggles with her immortality and this new life she did not choose.

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball) does an amazing job of bringing a stillness to the characters that helps portray their inner struggles.  Andy is at a point in her life where she has lost her sense of purpose.  (Wouldn’t you after a few thousand years?)  Nile is a newborn in this world and has lost her family and life as she knew it.

Prince-Bythewood and Rucka make a powerful choice to portray Nile as the heroine who helps Andy rediscover why she fights, while finding her own identity.  These women are the heart of the film, although it is easy to fall in love with the team as a whole.

I for one, am completely in love with Nicky and Joe.  They too are in love and have been for centuries.  The brief yet powerful monologue by Joe while the two are captured left my heart in two.

Rucka is known to push the envelope in his story telling and creating empathy through his work.  The Old Guard movie on Netflix is no different.  He writes expertly as always and leaves you caring and believing in the characters he creates.

The Old Guard tells the perfect story in a time when we need it most.  Strong women, a diverse cast, and some ass kicking to the greedy individuals of the world are just what we need right now.

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