CLOSE
Close is another in the growing number of recent female protagonist movies. Movies such as, Wonder Woman, Ocean’s 8, Annihilation, Tomb Raider, Red Sparrow and Mary Queen of Scots; movies showcasing strong women. This film may lead the women’s list since this movie is directed and co-written by a woman Vicky Jewson, starring a woman Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Swedish trilogy), co-starring women Sophie Nelisse & Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand in Game of Thrones), and all the music is sung by women Kate Bush & Candy Says. There are men in the movie who’s main role is to be fodder for killing. The final tally – 19 men killed – 9 by strong women; a feel good movie for most women.

Sam Carlson (Noomi Rapace)
Close is a Netflix action thriller movie. First set in Sudan then in Casablanca, Morocco. Sam’s character is modeled after the most famous female bodyguard Jacquie Davis who was on set during the filming to ensure Sam’s actions are legitimate looking. Don’t know if Sam’s actions are valid, but the action scenes are well done and absolutely hold your attention. The small amount of CGI used is not the greatest. Also, the helicopter rides look filmed in a studio, but these are small insignificant parts.
Sam Carlson’s (Noomi Rapace) skill is on display immediately. Opening action scene shows Sam protect two members of the Press Corp in Sudan, Africa. Noomi Rapace plays the part well as a tough-ass, well trained bodyguard. Ms. Rapace is the main reason to watch this film, she’s incredible. You learn a little about Sam after the Sudan scene; revisited later in the movie. However, you learn enough about Sam to care and keep watching.

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Sam then reluctantly takes a job as a Close Protection Officer (CPO) to protect a 16-year old Zoe Tanner (Sophie Nelisse). Zoe has inherited all of her recently deceased Dad’s shares in the Hassine mine in Morocco, much to the chagrin of her stepmom Rima Hassine (Indira Varma), the CEO of Dad’s mine. With stepmom, threatening to appeal the will, plotting in the background, and trying to make a deal at the mine, someone tries to kidnap Sophie from the safe-house in Morocco.

Zoe Tanner (Sophia Nelisse)
So begins about an hour of Sam & Zoe driving and running through the streets of Casablanca. Fighting off and killing men from various groups (police, thugs, who knows?). Also, fending off the repeated attempts to kidnap Zoe for ransom. Close flows smoothly during the last hour. This portion also contains a scene in the hold of a fishing vessel that is quite unique. The resolution at the end comes quickly. It is difficult to see how all the parts are related, why they are related, and who is responsible, but with a little reflection you can understand.