Netflix have a seemingly unending roll of original films and TV series releasing these days. Almost like whenever one of their content buyers goes to Costco they come back with a bulk pack of new shows or movies, the 3 for $10 special.
Close stars Noomi Rapace as Sam Carlson, a terrorism expert whom is now a bodyguard.. Rapace is someone whom I believe could be one of the greatest female action stars of all time by the time her career ends. Sam is sent to protect spiteful, thoughtless and ignorant teen Zoe Tanner (Sophie Nelisse) while she is on holiday in Morocco. Much to the dislike of her step mother, Rima (Indria Varma), Zoe is the beneficiary to her late fathers business. While on holiday, the place she is staying is raided, forcing Sam and Zoe go on the run.
The film is no masterpiece, but it is certainly entertaining. Written by Vicky Jewson and Rupert Whitaker, with Vicky Jewson taking the directors seat it contains some great fun action scenes. It’s great to see another female director making an action film, and hopefully Jewson can get more under her belt after this. Rapace shines in any action scene and this was no exception, she is a competent actress and the right role will pay excellent dividends to her career. While the leading part in the millennium series has done her wonders and parts in American films, Sherlock Holmes: A game of shadows, Prometheus and The Drop also haven’t hurt she is still yet to find the part that will make her a household name.
As Carlson, Rapace comes through with flying colours. She is tough, rigid, and resilient and kicks ass. There is a scene in a fishing vessels fish tank which is particularly cool. It’s a great scene which highlights Carlson ability to stay calm, also having a school of fish dash around the characters fighting makes it more intense. While she won’t garner any awards nominations for this role, she hits the right notes and it is very entertaining to watch.
Sophie Nelisse’s Zoe is the annoying brat in need of life lessons, maturing and a decent role model and Nelisse pulls out all the stops. She is arrogant and a complete pain, doing almost everything to make Carlson want to abandon her post, but Carlson never does. With all the constant accusations from Zoe that Carlson is going to abandon her, you wouldn’t blame her if she did. Zoe’s mother in law Zima, played by Indria Varma (Game of Thrones). Zima is a cold woman and is absolutely disgusted by the fact that Zoe was left the company by her late husband. Varma plays the role very convincingly, she’s cold, conniving and malicious clearly showing that she has only her own best interests at heart.
I complain a lot about action films being too complicated these days but Close brings it back to simple – simple story, simple action and simple characters. There’s no big twists, no tight turns – it’s just a good story with some good action. The action isn’t exactly non-stop though, there are some slow moments but not enough to make it boring, which a plus.
So if you’re keen for a low key action flick to keep you entertained for ninety minutes then grab a bag of popcorn or some chips and give Close a shot. Rapace is a great performer and the action won’t disappoint.
Director: Vicky Jewson
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Olivia Jewson, Indria Varma
Writers: Vicky Jewson, Rupert Whitaker
