Close

The 2019 action-thriller film "Close" features Noomi Rapace, Olivia Jewson, and Abdellatif Chaouqi in pivotal roles. The film is directed by Vicky Jewson, who notably directed the action films "Born of War" and "Lady Godiva." The narrative adopts a semi-realistic touch and presents a gritty action-packed thriller based loosely on real events.

Noomi Rapace stars as Sam, a highly skilled and fearless close-protection officer with a troubled past. Known for her blatant determination and single-mindedness, Sam is a bodyguard who specializes in protecting high-profile clients, often in dangerous environments. Her character's development, both professionally and personally, forms a significant chunk of the storyline and serves as the backbone of the narrative. Rapace, known for her role as Lisbeth Salander in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, skillfully conveys Sam's intense persona with her notable and candid performance.

The plot escalates when Sam is assigned to protect Zoe (played by Olivia Jewson), a wealthy young heiress. Zoe emerges as a rebellious young woman, hailing from the world of high power, unruly wealth, and a life fraught with dangers hitherto unbeknown to her. The delicate dynamic between Sam and Zoe adds an interesting layer to the narrative. As their relationship unfolds, it dives deep into the trials and realities of their starkly contrasting lives. Zoe's youthful naivety juxtaposed against Sam's sternly pragmatic approach to life delivers a compelling display of their evolving relationship.

Abdellatif Chaouqi portrays the role of an insurgent and introduces an element of menace and antagonism to the narrative. The other cast members enhance the movie's dramatic intensity while adding layers to its bold narrative.

"Close" presents a relentless journey where its lead characters confront numerous challenges while being trapped in an adversarial environment. Brutal fight scenes, pulsating chases, and explosive encounters combined with intricate plot twists paint an electrifying picture of survival against the odds. Vividly sketched situations provide viewers with a gripping and suspenseful experience.

Beyond its whirlwind action sequences, "Close" also delves into profound emotional undercurrents. Essentially, it tells the story of two women from disparate backgrounds forming an unlikely alliance in the backdrop of life-threatening danger. Their journey reveals an uncanny reflection of resilience, mental tenacity, and emotional strength, thus enriching the narrative with an emotive depth that transcends typical genre expectations. It is this emotional gravitas that adds an element of unexpected surprise and makes the movie an engaging watch.

The direction by Vicky Jewson stands out as she successfully captures intense action and emotional moments with equal proficiency. Her keen directorial eye for detailing even the most minute aspects gives the narrative a polished, immersive feel, ensuring that the audience remains hooked from start to finish. Moreover, Jewson's ability to subvert traditional genre tropes while amplifying the performances of lead actors results in an emotionally engaging and riveting action-thriller.

The comprehensive cinematography further intensifies the overall visual appeal of the movie. Remarkable location shoots and atmospheric mood lighting amount to a visually dynamic viewing experience. Moreover, the expertly choreographed fight sequences are captured with absolute precision, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the action sequences.

The background score of the movie is well-designed, complementing the film's dramatic narrative perfectly. The integration of sound effects and music adds momentum to the action sequences while enhancing the emotional depth during the more tender moments of the film.

All in all, "Close" is a film that goes beyond the conventional action genre and offers a thrilling journey – marking the collision of the human heart and the world of mercenary warfare. It is an engaging watch, not just for the fervent fans of action cinema, but also for viewers who appreciate engaging narratives, compelling performances, and relatable characters. At the end of the day, "Close" is more than just an action thriller—it's a film that evokes the quintessential questions of trust, survival, and vulnerability against the backdrop of an adrenaline-infused world.