Gritty Realism and Human Resilience

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Covenant
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Genre: Action, Thriller, War
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 2h 3m
Director(s): Guy Ritchie
Writer(s): Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexander Ludwig, Sean Sagar, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham, Jonny Lee Miller
Where To Watch: available June 20, 2023; pre-order here now www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When we sit in the comforting embrace of a darkened theater or the cozy corner of our couch to watch a film, we seek a certain level of entertainment value from the movies we watch. Entertainment doesn’t always come in the form of giant robots fighting on screen or fast cars racing each other, not even magical mermaids' coming-of-age stories; sometimes, the entertainment we seek is a personal story that touches the heart. THE COVENANT, directed by the ever-versatile Guy Ritchie, delivers this thrill while grappling with the weighty subject of war. But it doesn't do so in a generic, been-there-done-that kind of way—it weaves a profoundly human story amidst the crossfire of conflict.

Strip away the Hollywood sparkle, and what you get with THE COVENANT is a gritty, intense plunge into a poignant era— the U.S.'s relentless pursuit of Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks and the ensuing military campaign in Afghanistan. But our lenses are not focused on the behind-the-scenes political maneuvers or the frontline soldiers. Instead, our attention is centered on two unlikely comrades—Master Sergeant John Kinley and his Afghan interpreter, Ahmed.

Ahmed, portrayed with light intensity by Dar Salim, is not your conventional war movie hero. He bears the scars of a past marred by drug trafficking, but against this, he aspires to elevate himself from a linguistic intermediary to a trustworthy comrade. On the other hand, we have Jake Gyllenhaal's Master Sergeant Kinley, a character etched with the intimidating aura of a soldier yet imbued with the kindness we yearn to see in a friend.

Their saga unfurls in Afghanistan while caught in the tightening grip of the Taliban. The heat of an ambush leaves Kinley and Ahmed separated, sparking an exhilarating chase that puts their unlikely pairing to the ultimate test. This isn't a movie that jumps haphazardly from one action scene to the next. It invests time and care in shaping its world and the souls that inhabit it—especially during the initial prologue. While some may initially find it a tad slow-paced, the patience pays off spectacularly as the plot gears up.

Ritchie, celebrated for his knack for infusing action with sharp-witted dialogue, proves with THE COVENANT that he can handle intense themes with equal care. Even if this film departs from his usual style, it is a solid testament to his filmmaking flexibility.

You have to appreciate the cinematographic brilliance of Ed Wild. From sweeping views of the region, standing in for Afghanistan, to the gripping close-ups of our protagonists, each frame tells a piece of the story as effectively as the script.

THE COVENANT's power focuses on an underrepresented aspect of war—the crucial role of interpreters and the intricate dynamics they share with the soldiers they assist. It paints a raw and realistic picture of the personal toll of war and is a striking tribute to the unsung heroes of the conflict.

Ultimately, THE COVENANT is more than a war film—it's a cinematic essay on human resilience, bravery, and loyalty. It's a film that acknowledges the sacrifices made by the uncelebrated battlefield heroes. While it might not be your average light-hearted weekend flick, it's a cinematic expedition that's unquestionably worth embarking upon.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT, MGM]