The Doorman

A tale of action, suspense, and resilience, The Doorman (2020) firmly establishes itself in the thriller genre with an intriguing plot and compelling characters. With a stellar cast featuring Ruby Rose, Jean Reno, and Aksel Hennie, this explosive action thriller takes viewers on an unforgettable journey where stakes are high and survival is key.

The Doorman, directed by Ryûhei Kitamura, is an adrenaline-packed film where past meets the present, life meets death, and survival meets extinction. It unfolds the story of Ali Gorski (played by Ruby Rose), a highly decorated U.S. Army Sergeant returning to civilian life after a traumatic war experience. Plagued by haunting memories and the burden of loss, Ali is searching for peace and finds a semblance of it in the role of a doorman at a historic, yet underused New York apartment building. Here, she enjoys the simplicity of her quiet job while also finding a purpose in protecting the tenants.

One of the few remaining tenants is the Le Domas family, who have a special familial bond with Ali. This bond becomes vulnerable and threatened when Victor Dubois (essayed by Jean Reno), along with his band of seasoned criminals, launches an audacious plan to rob valuable art hidden in the building. Unaware of the staggering worth of the stolen artifacts, Ali becomes a de facto guardian, utilizing her military training and sharp mind to defend those she's promised to protect.

Ruby Rose delivers an electrifying performance as Ali, showcasing poignant emotional scenes imbued with the trauma of her past and interspersed with high-octane action moments that demonstrate her experience as an elite soldier. Jean Reno, playing the ruthless and cunning Victor Dubois, provides a thoroughly convincing portrayal of a menacing antagonist willing to go to any lengths for his ambitions. Aksel Hennie also shines in his role as one of Dubois' malevolent henchmen, playing Vilhelm with chilling ruthlessness.

Director Ryûhei Kitamura takes viewers into the heart of the art theft underworld, combining suspenseful heist sequences with brutal hand-to-hand combat and showcasing clever tactics in times of dire straits. A particularly commendable aspect is how Kitamura maintains a sharp focus on the central characters' development despite the fast pace, allowing for unexpected character arcs and revelations.

From a technical standpoint, The Doorman is exceptionally well-crafted. The cinematography effectively conveys the contrast between the building's serene facade and the gritty violence occurring within its walls. The film's tight editing and dynamic sound design contribute to keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as each scene progresses.

With tremendously choreographed action sequences and a dynamic plot, the film does an excellent job in keeping viewers engrossed from start to finish. Additionally, the pivotal role of a female protagonist provides an empowering portrayal of resilience and courage, making the film a thrilling watch for those who enjoy action movies with a strong female lead.

Aside from the thrilling action and suspense, The Doorman is also rich in human dynamics and explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the dire consequences of greed. While the movie is chalked full of violent confrontations and breath-taking shootouts, at its heart, it presents a beautiful tale of an individual’s ability to overcome personal darkness in the face of grave danger.

On the whole, The Doorman, superbly led by Ruby Rose, is an exhilarating experience for action movie lovers and those who appreciate intense, character-driven thrillers interspersed with an emotion-laden subplot. So, get ready to embark on this heart-stopping journey that serves as a testament to the strength and resolve of the human spirit when faced with immense adversity.