In an unexpected cinematic turn, Guy Ritchie unveils his latest piece of work, “The Covenant” (2023), a gripping narrative of survival and camaraderie set in the tumultuous landscape of Afghanistan circa 2018. We follow the harrowing odyssey of U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley, played by the ever-compelling Jake Gyllenhaal, and local interpreter Ahmed Abdullah, played by Dar Salim. The duo miraculously survives an ambush by the Taliban, forming the nucleus of this intense human drama.
Perplexingly, the film has not generated as much buzz as it certainly deserves. The typical stylishness of Ritchie’s visual tapestry is ever present, yet the story and its execution are nothing short of masterful. It weaves the heroes’ conflicts, trials, and adrenaline-pumping gunfights into its fabric, while remaining, at its core, a remarkably straightforward narrative.
Gyllenhaal, no stranger to the soldier’s role, seems to delve even deeper into his character this time around. Salim, the interpreter, delivers a performance of cunning and strength that is simply captivating. Known in his native Denmark as an actor of considerable stature – a status earned, no doubt, from his nuanced performances and his intriguing backstory as an Iraqi refugee turned Danish military soldier and pilot – he still managed to surprise with his commanding presence.
A recurring collaborator of Ritchie, Christopher Benstead, lends his musical prowess to the film’s score. At first, his music may seem a tad overstated, but it quickly dispels such reservations, offering an uncompromising, meticulously crafted ethnic-tinged action score. It’s a masterclass in how to use music to heighten a film’s emotional resonance, with stylishly edited visuals and several scenes that demand multiple viewings. The roughness of the string solos coming to the fore in an almost raw mix is a carefully calculated move that works wonders.
One glance at the credits reveals that Benstead is apparently a cellist, which upon reflection, makes a great deal of sense.