Netflix Stealth Adds One Of The Best War Movies Of The Decade

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Despite many classic war films already existing, the genre has continued to thrive in recent years, with acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan and Spike Lee offering fresh perspectives through movies like Oppenheimer and Da 5 Bloods. Recent Best Picture nominees, including All Quiet on the Western Front and The Zone of Interest (which notably focuses on the periphery of war rather than combat itself), have demonstrated the genre’s storytelling potential. Now, war film enthusiasts have another title to discover – a hidden gem recently added to Netflix.

Guy Ritchie’s new film, The Covenant, is now available on Netflix. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim and tells the story of a U.S. Army sergeant who risks everything to rescue the interpreter who helped his unit in Afghanistan. The movie has been well-received by critics, earning an 83% ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. (Note: this is a different film than the 2006 horror movie also called The Covenant.)

The Covenant Slipped Under the Radar, but Is Worth Watching

Although The Covenant had well-known actors and received positive reviews, it didn’t perform well in theaters. Released in April 2023 with the hope of finding an audience, the film ultimately disappointed at the box office, earning only $21.9 million worldwide despite costing $55 million to make. This poor financial result doesn’t reflect the film’s quality, and it’s a surprisingly good movie from director Guy Ritchie. It’s a chance to see a different side of Ritchie, who usually makes fun gangster films like Snatch and The Gentlemen, or action movies like The Man from UNCLE and the Sherlock Holmes series.

Compared to some of Guy Ritchie’s more flamboyant films, The Covenant is a more serious and subdued experience, enhanced by strong performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim. Like great war movies, it’s more than just action and spectacle; it’s a deeply moving story about the connections formed and sacrifices made during wartime, focusing on the relationship between Kinley and Abdullah. The blend of thrilling action sequences and heartfelt emotion makes The Covenant a compelling watch.

Viewers who enjoy war films will likely find The Covenant compelling, as it honors the often-overlooked contributions of military interpreters. Though fictional, the movie highlights the dangerous and difficult experiences of Afghan interpreters, backed up by sobering facts presented at the end. This film distinguishes itself within the war movie genre by focusing on this unique perspective. While many films depict intense rescue operations, The Covenant is notable for recognizing the significant sacrifices made by Afghan interpreters who worked with the U.S. military.

While not a Christmas film, The Covenant is a gripping drama perfect for December viewing. It offers plenty of action and emotional depth, and at around two hours long, it’s a satisfying watch. Hopefully, The Covenant will join the growing number of films that find success with streaming audiences after a less-than-stellar run in theaters.

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2025-12-06 19:10