🎬 MOVIE REVIEW: Close (2019)
Directed by Vicky Jewson, Close is a lean, relentless action thriller that trades glossy Hollywood sensationalism for gritty, tactical realism. Inspired by the life of Jacquie Davis—one of the world’s leading female bodyguards—the film places Noomi Rapace in the center of a brutal survival story where physical endurance and sharp instincts are the only keys to staying alive.
The Plot
Sam (Noomi Rapace) is a hardened counter-terrorism expert and close-protection operative who takes on a high-paying assignment in Morocco. Her mission is to protect Zoe (Sophie Nélisse), a spoiled, wealthy heiress who has just inherited control of a massive mining conglomerate following her father's sudden death.
What starts as an uncomfortable babysitting gig for Sam quickly turns deadly. When rival operatives breach Zoe's high-tech fortress in a bid to kidnap her and gain control of the company, Sam's instincts kick in. Framed for murder and cut off from support, Sam and Zoe are forced on the run through the claustrophobic streets of Casablanca, forging an unlikely bond as they fight to stay alive and uncover who wants them dead.
Key Highlights & Tone
Tactile, Visceral Action: Director Vicky Jewson eschews stylized, wire-fu action in favor of grounded, bone-crunching combat. Every punch, knife fight, and close-quarters struggle carries real physical weight and exhaustion.
Noomi Rapace’s Command: Rapace delivers a commanding, stoic performance, bringing a believable mix of tactical coldness and quiet empathy to Sam.
Survival Dynamics: The film shines brightest in its midsection, treating the core dynamic between a hardened professional and a vulnerable teenager as a fight for mutual survival rather than a straightforward rescue narrative.
The Verdict
Close is a sharp, fast-paced genre thriller that showcases Vicky Jewson’s knack for tense pacing and physical action storytelling. Supported by a fiercely committed performance from Noomi Rapace, it’s a refreshing, female-led entry into the close-protection thriller genre.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐█ (3.5/5)
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