Film Journal 2023: The Covenant

Film Journal 2023: The Covenant
Directed by Guy Ritchie

It took a little bit for me to wrap my head around Guy Ritchie taking on something this serious and this studied and dark. The first half of this film, which is where it really shines, goes a long ways in proving this marriage can work. Its chalk full of intricate sequences, delicate drama, and memorable moments. The way the action sequences are shot, using Ritchie’s signature style, is much more subtle than you might expect, toning down his normal energetic approach without muting it or disguising it.

The film is ultimately about the journey of this interpreter, which affords the film a window into a more nuanced discussion than you might find with someone like Bay, who does not shy away from an heavy set patriotism. Unfortunately some of that thematic weight gets muddled by the inconsistent nature of the pacing in the second half. Its there where i think the argument can be made that the wonderful performance by Dar Salim starts to shine a light on the miscasting of Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s not bad, it’s just that the moments in the second half where I felt myself slipping in and out of full engagement with the film led to over analyzing his role. Something felt a little off, even if I couldn’t out my finger on it.

Overall a pleasant surprise, especially for anyone who is a fan of Ritchie’s work. Adds a different flavor to his filmography that has an aged presence.