Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim and the cast of the upcoming war action film The Covenant have walked the red carpet for the premiere in Los Angeles.
In the film directed by Guy Ritchie, Sergeant John Kinley, played by Gyllenhaal, forms an estranged bond with Afghan interpreter Ahmed, played by Salim, who, in a Taliban ambush, saves Kinley's life.
Gyllenhall has cited the uniqueness and originality of the script as some of the inspirations to take on this role.
Speaking to Reuters in Los Angeles on Monday night, he said: "I think this one really touched me because it's ultimately about the good in us, but not like the sentimental good, not the stuff that we tend to see in movies of people doing good.
"It's about reluctant good; it's about begrudging good. It's about doing good for someone you don't even really like, which I loved."
Many are describing The Covenant as one of the must-watch films of 2023.
Risking his own life, Ahmed goes through an arduous mission to ensure Gyllenhaal's safety, hoping that saving an American soldier's life can lead to a better future for him and his family, something Baghdad-born Danish actor Salim says hits close to home and is a relatable topic for many.
"My parents were refugees," he told Reuters. "I know that whole generation who gave up their lives to give their children a better future. That's something that's very close to me personally.
"[My] favourite thing for me about this movie - besides being totally entertaining and just keeps you sucked into it like only Guy Ritchie can do - is that it has this message of unity."
The chemistry on and off-camera between Gyllenhaal and Salim was on full display on the red carpet as both hugged and bragged about each other's professionalism and dedication to their craft.
"Jake Gyllenhaal is like a huge movie star. I do well, back home, but in the world cinema, he's Jake Gyllenhaal," Salim explained.
"I didn't know what to expect, but the first moment I met him, I'm all about the work, and so was he. I think we just saw in each other something that we both respected and it was just easy."
Although Guy Ritchie was not in attendance, his influence over the film was certainly felt on the carpet. Many cast members highlighted his creative approach and authenticity to the film, including Gyllenhaal, who credited Ritchie as one of the most agile directors he has worked with.
"We threw out the playbook and we followed some of it and he made his movie as we went along. And it was just some of the best fun I've had in a very long time," said Gyllenhaal.
The absence of Ritchie did not stop special guests from going onto the red carpet to show support for the new film. Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis turned out for the premiere and was excited to see her godson - Gyllenhaal.
"Guy Ritchie is a great filmmaker, exciting, energetic. Guy Ritchie movies have spirit and energy and kind of a grit to them that is really fun. And I'm the godmother of Jake Gyllenhaal," said Curtis.
"He has been a friend, he is my godson. He's a really good person. A wonderful actor. And he makes really good movies. I'm very proud that this is a story that he felt compelled to join and tell."
An Irish release for Guy Ritchie's The Covenant has yet to be announced.
Source: Reuters
