The Sentry (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

The Sentry is the Wish version of James Bond if I’ve ever seen one, and since I’ve just recently decided to immerse myself in the world of Bond for the first time–this feels like the most apt description I can muster. The film follows an undercover agent on assignment in Cambodia. Though, he soon realizes that his actions will have a greater effect on the people with whom he’s been in contact. 

This is both the best and worst version of a Bond story that I’ve ever seen. Overly comedic, there’s something that Bond fans may consider almost sacrilegious about this short film, as it, in some ways, bastardizes who is often considered one of the greatest characters in cinema history. However, The Sentry suddenly shifts to something darker and more grounded–even more than I’ve seen in an actual Bond film. 

There’s no reason as to why The Sentry should have been so emotionally relevant, yet I found myself, as the film came to a close, holding back tears. As Termite (Phang Dara) fades away for the final time, viewers are forced to face their own mortality and understand that life is finite. The Sentry uses Termite to personify this sentiment, one that resonates with viewers and allows them to understand the most trying realities of life with ease. The Sentry is easily accessible, surprisingly cathartic, and an emotional rollercoaster that was unexpected. 

The Sentry, furthermore, is a gorgeous film. Writer-Director Jake Wachtel and Director of Photography Karl Erik Brøndbo use the establishing shots throughout the course of the film to develop a connection between viewers and the subject matter. The vast Cambodian landscapes reel viewers in and create a visceral response that transcends the entirety of the film in a way that didn’t feel necessary, but was incredibly welcome. As viewers are, time and time again, afforded the opportunity to navigate this gorgeous landscape, it juxtaposes the heaviness of what exists buried within the narrative. The heavier, darker tones that don’t present themselves until the final act of The Sentry work even more effectively as a result of the almost serene visuals that transcend the entirety of the film. 

What initially promises to be a silly, action-packed venture quickly shifts into something far more existential and accessible. The Sentry flips the action genre on its head, presenting viewers with a film that blends a series of genres, begs viewers to ask important questions, and eventually becomes fully immersed in a world that is both wildly different and eerily similar to ours. 

Written & Directed by Jake Wachtel. 

Starring Daniel Raymont, Phang Dara, Vy Tara, Oum Tharoth, Chea Chakriya, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING