Director Guy Ritchie’s latest film, The Covenant, is a thrilling and emotional masterpiece. Despite the questionable choice of having his name in the title, this is undoubtedly Ritchie’s best work yet. Set in the tumultuous Afghanistan conflict, the movie focuses on two men: U.S. Army Sgt. John Kinley (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and his Afghan interpreter Ahmed (played by Dar Salim). While the characters are fictional, their experiences reflect the struggles faced by many involved in the war, particularly the interpreters who have been left behind and are still in danger.
The story begins when Kinley meets Ahmed, his new interpreter, after his previous one was killed in action. Their relationship starts off as a cat-and-mouse game, but they soon discover that they share a common bond through their families. Ahmed’s son was murdered by the Taliban, and his wife is pregnant. He sees an opportunity to escape the Taliban and start a new life. Meanwhile, Kinley desperately wants to return to his wife Caroline (played by Emily Beecham) and their children after his tour of duty.
The first part of the film follows Kinley and Ahmed as they search for IEDs and navigate dangerous situations. Ahmed’s knowledge and assistance prove invaluable as the intensity of the battlefield escalates. Eventually, they find themselves on the run together, facing an ambush that leaves Kinley gravely injured. Miraculously, Ahmed manages to keep him alive and transports him to safety, dragging him on a stretcher across the country.
The film becomes deeply emotional, especially for Kinley, who owes his life to Ahmed. However, Ahmed remains in hiding in Afghanistan, and the promised visas for him and his family never materialize. Determined to make things right, Kinley embarks on a new mission to find Ahmed and bring him to America. When faced with bureaucratic obstacles, Kinley takes matters into his own hands, returning to Afghanistan in disguise.
Gyllenhaal delivers a stellar performance as Kinley, portraying both the seasoned Army sergeant and the compassionate individual willing to go to any lengths to help his savior. Salim, known for his role in Game of Thrones, brings authenticity and intensity to the character of Ahmed, a man who has experienced betrayal but still holds onto hope. The supporting cast, including Jonny Lee Miller and Antony Starr, also shines in their respective roles.
It’s worth noting that Ritchie seems to be entering a new phase in his career with The Covenant and his other recent release, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. These films showcase a more mature and content-driven approach from the director, moving away from his signature cinematic tricks. This promising shift bodes well for Ritchie’s future projects.
Originally produced by STX, The Covenant will be distributed by MGM. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie and written by Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, and Marn Davies. It features a talented cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, Alexandra Ludwig, Bobby Schfield, Emily Beecham, and Jonny Lee Miller. With a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes, The Covenant is set to release on April 21, 2023.
