🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Vicky Jewson
- Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (28K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bodyguard babysits a spoiled heiress while also fighting off guys who really, really need that phosphate mining deal.
🍿 Close: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: Sam and Zoe’s Worlds Collide
Sam Carlson, a seasoned bodyguard, finds herself assigned to protect Zoe Tanner, a young heiress to a vast mining fortune following her father’s death. Zoe is headstrong and independent, a stark contrast to Sam’s hardened and professional demeanor. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension, setting the stage for a challenging dynamic.

The Attack and Escape
While staying at a fortified family home in Morocco, a coordinated attack breaches the security, putting Zoe’s life in immediate danger. Sam expertly guides Zoe through a daring escape, showcasing her combat skills and tactical thinking. They find themselves on the run, pursued by relentless assassins.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
As Sam and Zoe evade their pursuers, they uncover a complex conspiracy involving corporate rivals and internal family conflicts. They must rely on each other to survive and expose those responsible for the attacks. This alliance sees Zoe begin to adapt and learn survival skills from Sam. Mistrust abounds as they try to discover who is behind it all.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sam Carlson (Noomi Rapace): A hardened bodyguard who must protect a young heiress from deadly forces.
- Zoe Tanner (Sophie Nélisse): The pampered mining heiress who finds herself in danger after inheriting her father’s company.
- Rima Hassine (Indira Varma): Zoe’s stepmother and the CEO of Hassine Mining, who is caught in a web of corporate espionage and blackmail.
- Conall Sinclair (Eoin Macken): Sam’s boss who assists her in protecting Zoe but meets a tragic end.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Zoe Tanner: “Who do you think you are? My mom?” – Zoe says this to Sam when Sam attempts to provide some structure and guidance.
- Sam Carlson: “Of course not.” – Sam responds bluntly, highlighting her detached professionalism.
- Zoe Tanner: “I could have you fired.” – Zoe threatens Sam, asserting her privileged status, early in their strained relationship.
- Sam Carlson: “Be my guest.” – Sam responds, unfazed by Zoe’s threat, reinforcing her professional confidence.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $60,040
💥 Close Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this movie expecting a mindless action flick and while it delivered on the action, I was surprised by Noomi Rapace’s performance. She really sells the hardened bodyguard persona. The relationship between Sam and Zoe felt a bit forced at times, but there were moments where I genuinely cared about their survival. The fight scenes were brutal and realistic, which I appreciated. Overall, it was an enjoyable watch, especially if you’re a fan of action movies with strong female leads.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action-thriller movies”
- “Viewers who enjoy strong female leads”
- “Those interested in bodyguard stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief drug use”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While Noomi Rapace delivers a fierce performance, the film suffers from a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. Action sequences are well-executed, but the story lacks depth and emotional resonance, making it a passable but ultimately forgettable thriller.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Close relies heavily on Noomi Rapace’s physical presence, but the script fails to provide her with a compelling narrative. The film is a serviceable action movie with some thrilling moments, but it never rises above mediocrity due to its lack of originality and weak character development.
Audience Reactions
Noomi Rapace’s performance was praised for its intensity and physicality.: Many viewers felt Noomi Rapace elevated the film with her performance and realistic action sequences, even if the plot was somewhat predictable.
Some viewers found the storyline bland and unoriginal.: Critics were divided, with some finding it entertaining and others criticizing the lack of originality and depth.
Overall Consensus: A decent action thriller carried by Noomi Rapace’s performance, though the plot is predictable and lacks depth.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Noomi Rapace performed all her own stunts for this role, adding a layer of authenticity to the action sequences.”
- “The character of Sam Carlson is loosely based on the real-life female bodyguard Jacquie Davis, one of the most successful in the field.”
🖥️ How to Watch Close?
As a Netflix original movie, ‘Close’ is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. At this time, it is not available for purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Close, you might like these similar films:
- The Bodyguard (1992): Features a bodyguard protecting a high-profile client from danger, with a developing personal connection.
- Hanna (2011): A young woman with unique fighting skills is pursued by intelligence agents and must fight to survive.
- Atomic Blonde (2017): A female spy must find a list of double agents being smuggled into the West, showcasing intense action.
🛒 Close Related Products
- Noomi Rapace Film Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of Noomi Rapace’s most memorable films, showcasing her range and talent as an actress. This Blu-ray set is perfect for fans who want to own her best work.
- Women of Action: Female Leads in Thrillers: A digital book analyzing the portrayal of strong female leads in action and thriller movies, with a focus on characters like Sam Carlson from ‘Close.’
- Bodyguard Training Manual: Practical Self-Defense Techniques: A practical guide to self-defense techniques inspired by the training of bodyguards, focusing on close-quarters combat and situational awareness.
- Moroccan Spice Set – Taste of Casablanca: A collection of authentic Moroccan spices used in the cuisine of Casablanca, where a significant portion of the movie takes place. A delicious culinary journey into the setting of the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Close features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘Close’ is loosely based on the life of Jacquie Davis, a renowned British bodyguard who has protected numerous high-profile clients. The film draws inspiration from her experiences in the field.
The film stars Noomi Rapace as Sam Carlson, the skilled bodyguard, and Sophie Nélisse as Zoe Tanner, the heiress she’s hired to protect. Indira Varma plays Rima Hassine, Zoe’s stepmother.
The movie was filmed in various locations, primarily in Morocco, including Casablanca and Marrakesh. These locations provide a visually stunning backdrop to the action-packed storyline.
🔥 Bonus Content
Monster – Movie Review & Spoiler Analysis
Just finished ‘Monster’? This video dives deep into the plot and explores some fascinating interpretations – I found their take on the ending particularly thought-provoking, you might too!
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