Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) Review

War films are in my top 3 favorite film genres to watch. From when I was young, I loved movies, especially about the Gulf War and any war film shot in the desert. Somehow they always have this fascinating portrayal when it’s made in Hollywood. And once you’ve seen way too many of this kind of film, the music in the movie becomes a lot more familiar and almost no difference at all. Today we’re not talking about the music from this genre film but more about an interesting take from the Afghanistan war that shed a light on the lives of local interpreters who work for the US Army. And among points of view, stories that are made based on the war in Afghanistan, I have to say that Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is quite eye candy. Not only the intriguing story but the cast like Jake Gyllenhaal and others who are totally good-looking, hunk and jacked. Even if you’re not so into war films, it really is just justified looking at the casts in this film. However, without further adieu, let me dive into it and share my reviews on it!

While patrolling, John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) was ambushed by a car carrying a bomb. His interpreter died as he was inspecting the car and stayed behind it to check the car lorry. Back to the base, John asked for a replacement and there were a few candidates. One that stood out the most was Ahmed(Dar Salim ). As John tried to interview Ahmed, he wasn’t truthful enough and couldn’t believe that Ahmed would do a good job. John even asked Ahmed his purpose working for them and the answer “money” wasn’t satisfying enough for John. One night after a mission trying to find more information on the factory of advanced explosives by the Taliban, John was told by his other teammates that Ahmed was part of the Taliban but deserted because they killed his son. It even made John furious and grew even more distrust towards Ahmed.

As they started to begin the mission, Haadee, one of the members, pointed out the way that seemed to be quicker. However on the way, Ahmed asked to speak to John and told him that there was a problem. Ahmed mentioned that the road seemed to be some kind of trap even though Haade is already vetted by the military and is part of the Afghan military. While arguing Ahmed mentioned that he was there to interpret not only translating. While the other team mates were checking out the area, Ahmed was fighting with Haade and said that he was giving up their position. They returned to the base and began another mission the following day. While searching on the second spot, Ahmed once again sensed that something was not right and the landowner was lying. They were ambushed by the Taliban and only Ahmed and Jack survived the attack. Trying to survive the attack, Jack and Ahmed were running through the mountain until Jack was wounded. Through the desert, Ahmed met up with afghani tribe who were hunting and resting. This afghani doesn’t like the Taliban and was willing to help them. A long way from base, Ahmed carries Jack in a wooden trolley. Several days later as they stopped in front of a fruit stall, the insurgent found them but Ahmed pulled out his gun eventually killing all the insurgents. Both of them were then found by a military who happens to patrol around the area. A Month later, Jack was at a hospital in his home Santa Clarita. His friend, Declan(Alexander Ludwig )told him that Jack was given a medal but he insisted that the medal was supposed to be given to Ahmed. But Voke mentioned that what Ahmed needs isn't a medal but a US Visa.

Feeling indebted to Ahmed, Jack tried to help Ahmed to get the Visa. The process was arduous as it is found out that Ahmed and his family went dark. They were in hiding as the story of the two became folktales in Afghanistan and the Taliban wanted to kill Ahmed. Days go by and Jack is having PTSD and has flashes of memories of how Ahmed has helped him. Determined to find Ahmed, Jack eventually hired a private contractor and went back to Afghanistan. As he went back to Afghanistan, Ahmed's visa was finally approved and Jack, on a mission finding Ahmed, eventually found him and his family. The fight didn’t stop there as they had to still fight the Taliban once again.

In my opinion, this film that runs for 123 minutes was engrossing. It captured my attention fully and I was immersed in the movie. One particular scene that stood out the most was then Ahmed emphasized that he was there to interpret not only to translate. Ahmed showed what it was like to be a good interpreter that working for the military would mean also sensing dangers and going beyond just translating word to word. Dar Salim who played Ahmed was really convincing and his acting definitely needed a round of applause. It was the same with Jake Gyllenhaal that managed to bring emotions and take us through this 2 hours movie. The screenwriting was also fun and a lot of military banters and terms that’s pretty funny to me. The setting though definitely wasn’t in Afghanistan, they managed to pull of Spain and showed us the mesmerizing landscape of it. The plot and point of view that they chose was definitely fresh. Often you see this kind of movie as a solo survival or ambush and more political but this one was shedding a light on interpreters who are also an important part of the missions done overseas. As the movie ends, you’ll be shown pictures of soldiers and interpreters. It is also noted in the film that just two years ago after the 20 year long campaign, the US finally pulled its troops, Taliban seized control and more than 300 interpreters and their families were killed. To think that we’re all probably seen how it unfolded was surreal. I still remember seeing footage of people trying to flee by hanging on to US military planes. And behind it all, Guy Ritchi picked a point of view from those whose stories might not be heard by common folks.

If you haven’t watched it, I definitely recommend you to. I am probably biased with my rating but this is 8 out of 10 for me. With the fresh perspective, a reflection from recent events, great handsome casts and screenwriting that sometimes was comedic despite the suspense.