Dirty Angels (2024)

“Dirty Angels” is a 2024 American action thriller directed by Martin Campbell, featuring a compelling ensemble cast led by Eva Green, Maria Bakalova, Ruby Rose, Rona-Lee Shimon, and Jojo T. Gibbs. The film intertwines intense action sequences with a narrative centered on courage, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil.
Plot Overview
Set during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, the story begins with a harrowing event: a girls’ school is overtaken by terrorists, resulting in the abduction of several students. Among the captives are Badia, the daughter of Afghanistan’s Minister of Education, and the U.S. Ambassador’s daughter. The assailants demand a ransom of $10 million per hostage and the release of a notorious prisoner, Sheik Al-Shimali.
After a failed rescue attempt by Delta Force, the U.S. military enlists Jake (Eva Green), a seasoned female soldier, to spearhead a covert operation. Jake assembles a diverse team of skilled women: Rocky (Rona-Lee Shimon), a mechanic; Geek (Jojo T. Gibbs), a technician; Shooter, a weapons specialist; The Bomb (Maria Bakalova), an explosives expert; and Medic (Ruby Rose). Disguised as medical personnel, they infiltrate the hostile region with the mission to rescue the hostages.
With assistance from the Afghan Minister of Education, the team navigates treacherous terrains and conducts strategic operations, including raiding a weapons cache. Throughout their journey, they face significant losses, including the deaths of Dr. Mike and Travis. Complications arise when they discover that Awina, one of their local contacts, has been betraying their movements to the terrorists.
In a bold move, the team captures Sheik Al-Shimali, intending to use him as leverage. However, during a negotiation attempt involving counterfeit money, their plan is exposed, leading to a climactic assault on the terrorists’ stronghold. In the ensuing battle, Jake confronts and eliminates the terrorist leader, while The Bomb guides the rescued girls to safety. Despite the successful extraction, the mission results in the loss of several team members. The film concludes with Jake and Malik deciding to return in an effort to rescue Rocky, who had stayed behind to ensure the team’s escape.
Production and Release
The film was announced in September 2022, with Martin Campbell directing and Eva Green attached to star. Filming commenced in December 2022, utilizing locations in Morocco and Millennium Media’s Nu Boyana Film Studios in Thessaloniki, Greece, and concluded in February 2023. “Dirty Angels” was released in theaters and made available on video-on-demand platforms on December 13, 2024.
Reception
Upon release, “Dirty Angels” received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 32% approval rating based on 19 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10. Critics praised the film’s action sequences and the performances of the lead actresses but noted shortcomings in character development and plot depth. Audiences appreciated the film’s intense action and the portrayal of strong female protagonists in high-stakes scenarios.
In summary, “Dirty Angels” delivers a high-octane cinematic experience, highlighting themes of bravery and sacrifice amidst the chaos of conflict. While it faced criticism for certain narrative elements, the film stands out for its action-packed sequences and the compelling performances of its ensemble cast.