The Covenant (2023)

My quick rating - 7.6/10. The Covenant seems to be a very realistic war flick that drops us in the middle of the very unpleasant experience that is war. This particular war is raging in the country of Afghanistan. This film is directed by Guy Ritchie, which seems like an unusual choice, given the fact that he usually deals with fast-paced, highly action-packed films that involve gangsters.

It follows Ahmed, a local interpreter played by Dar Salim, and U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. The two find themselves on a mission, with Kinley getting seriously injured. Ahmed decides to take a huge risk and escort Kinley across enemy lines when he realizes he has no choice but to protect Kinley. Well, it's not exactly a ‘buddy road trip’ unless your version of a holiday is a fight for survival.

In any case, Ahmed finds himself fighting for Kinley's safety as he tries to get him out of harm's way. By doing so, he faces certain dangers and soon realizes he may not get out of this situation alive.

Already from the first scenes, a grim and realistic tone is created. The camera work captures both the beauty and inhospitable qualities of the Afghan terrain, but then also the sound design puts one in a position of constant risk, even if something is not entirely dangerous. Ritchie does not resort to tricks here but wants to develop tension through circumstances.

Salim delivers a phenomenal performance and brings a great deal of subtlety and strength to the role of Ahmed. As a result, the character feels very real and not at all special, but rather someone with a great deal of conviction in their morality, and that’s what the film hangs its emotional hopes on. Gyllenhaal responds to this with a very earthy, very physical performance.

The Covenant does a very wise thing when it decides to concentrate on the human cost of war. Rather than focusing on massive shootouts or constant violence, it chooses to dwell on what it really means to survive, what it really means to be loyal, and what it really means to sacrifice for others. The relationship between Ahmed and Kinley holds the very essence of The Covenant

From a structure standpoint, this is almost a case of them having two separate stories that are connected in a linear narrative, in that the first half of this thing follows their early operations, and then you hit a second half that follows a rescue mission after Kinley gets back and recognizes that he still has a debt to pay off for his life that was extended to him a while back. Ultimately, Ritchie serves up one of the sharpest films of his career with The Covenant. The film boasts excellent performances, judicious pacing, and a clear respect for the subject matter it explores. If you're in the market for a war drama that finds more meaning in the actions of the people than the explosions on the screen, then The Covenant definitely is worth watching.

Currently streaming on Amazon among a few others for theater at-home pricing.

The Covenant (2023)

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