The Zoe Saldana Assassin Movie On Netflix That Never Lets Up

By Steven Nelson | Published

zoe saldana

From the star-laden skies of the cosmos in Guardians of the Galaxy to the deep jungles of Avatar, Zoe Saldana has demonstrated her prowess in various roles, captivating audiences with her compelling performances. Now, Netflix brings her to your screens in a gripping tale of vengeance – Colombiana.

Dive into a thrilling world where Saldana, unyielding and fierce, sets out on a relentless pursuit to avenge her family’s death. Directed by Olivier Megaton and penned by the renowned Luc Besson, this action-packed ride promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Prepare for an exhilarating experience with Colombiana.

Zoe Saldana stars as an assassin on a revenge tour in Colombiana on Netflix

Colombiana is a tale of retribution set against the gritty backdrop of the criminal underworld. At its heart is Cataleya Restrepo, played with fierce determination by Zoe Saldana. As a young girl in Bogota, Colombia, Cataleya witnesses the brutal murder of her parents at the hands of a ruthless drug lord named Don Luis.

zoe saldana

The traumatic event, however, gives rise to a burning desire for revenge, and she barely escapes the massacre, ultimately finding her way to her uncle Emilio in Chicago.

Under Emilio’s guidance, Cataleya transforms into a deadly assassin, honing her skills to exact her revenge. While she takes on various assignments, she leaves a distinctive drawing of a cataleya orchid as her signature, a message to those who wronged her that she’s coming for them. This calling card draws the attention of both the criminal world and law enforcement.

Zoe Saldana as Cataleya navigates the dangers of her vocation, and her single-minded focus remains on finding Don Luis and his main enforcer, Marco. The film intricately weaves her personal vendetta with her professional hits, building to a climactic confrontation.

Zoe Saldana’s Colombiana is directed by Olivier Megaton and written Luc Besson

Throughout, Zoe Saldana’s portrayal of Cataleya is that of a woman driven by past horrors, wielding her trauma as both a weapon and armor, making Colombiana not just an action-packed thriller but also a study of what fuels a person’s drive for vengeance.

Colombiana truly shines as a Zoe Saldana vehicle, largely because of the symbiotic relationship between the film’s narrative and Saldana’s strengths as an actress. Firstly, Zoe Saldana has always exuded a kind of quiet strength and intensity in her roles, making her the perfect fit for a character who carries the weight of traumatic past events but channels it into her mission for vengeance.

Her slender physique and graceful movements, combined with her intensity, make her a believable and unique assassin, differentiating Cataleya from the archetypal brute force hitman often depicted in cinema.

Additionally, Saldana’s range allows her to tap into the deeper emotional undercurrents of Cataleya’s story. While Colombiana is undoubtedly an action film, at its core, it’s a story of a scarred individual seeking closure. Saldana’s portrayal of Cataleya isn’t one-dimensional; she brings a blend of vulnerability and steeliness to the role. 

This duality resonates with audiences, making the action sequences more than just visually spectacular—they’re emotionally charged, underpinned by Cataleya’s heartbreaking backstory and her quest for justice.

Moreover, the film’s setting and narrative play into the cultural strengths of Saldana. As a woman of Latina descent, Zoe infuses authenticity into Cataleya’s Colombian roots, making her quest feel genuine and rooted in a real sense of place and culture. 

The movie, in essence, becomes a platform for Saldana to showcase not only her physical prowess but also her ability to create a multi-dimensional character, transforming Colombiana from a mere action flick into a riveting tale of resilience, revenge, and redemption.

Colombiana, now streaming on Netflix, stands as a testament to Zoe Saldana’s prowess as an action star and her ability to carry a film with both emotional depth and high-octane sequences. Her portrayal of Cataleya resonates with audiences not just for the action, but for the heart and determination behind each move. While the revenge genre has been explored in countless ways in cinema, it’s Saldana’s unique blend of vulnerability and fierceness that sets this film apart.

 As viewers delve into Cataleya’s journey, they are not only treated to thrilling sequences but also to a story of profound loss, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a ride worth taking, especially for those keen on witnessing Saldana at her absolute best.