Ana de Armas as Paloma in No Time To Die
She’s only in one scene, but Ana de Armas’ Paloma in No Time To Die is going to go down alongside the iconic scenes the franchise has delivered over the past six decades.
Bond 25, No Time To Die introduces an unforgettable character, Paloma, played by the talented Cuban actress. The scene holds great significance for both the narrative and the evolution of the Bond franchise.
Ana de Armas’ Paloma breaks from traditional Bond girl stereotypes by showcasing her confidence, charm, and impressive combat skills, which play a crucial role in the film’s success.
It’s about 10 minutes long, and it’s the only scene that we see Paloma, but the intriguing dynamic between the two characters, sets the stage for an electrifying partnership, and leaves Bond fans wanting more of Ana de Armas’ Paloma.
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The Meetup
This movie sees 007 talked out of retirement by his CIA ally Felix Leiter, who then tells him he has to meet a woman in Santiago de Cuba. Bond, played by Daniel Craig, heads to the bar to meet Paloma, who’s dressed in an elegant evening dress, high heeled shoes, and looks ready to go out for a nice dinner.
She comes across as a bit clumsy at first, like the stereotypical Bond girl, you might say. She takes him to a wine cellar and starts to unbutton his shirt, leading Bond to think Paloma is trying to initiate a romantic encounter.
She quickly puts him in his place and tells him she’s here for the mission only. This reaction not only establishes her as a force to be reckoned with but also demonstrates that her character transcends the conventional expectations of a female character in the Bond universe. Unfortunately for some.
Paloma then reveals that she has only received three weeks of training before embarking on this high-stakes mission with Bond. Of course Bond is sceptical (who wouldn’t be?), but despite this she certainly proves any doubters wrong.
The Shootout
They then infiltrate the party which is being held in the high-end bar to capture Dr. Valdo Obruchev, but it turns out to secretly be a trap to capture and kill Bond. His old enemy Ernst Stavro Blofeld can see everything at the party through bionic eye that’s paired with a prosthetic eye worn by Primo.
Blofeld then sprays nanobots created from Project Heracles, but it turns out that Obruchev reprogrammed the nanobots to kill members of SPECTRE instead, and so all members of the criminal organisation start dropping dead.
They spot Obruchev and try and capture him but henchmen start firing and a huge shootout erupts. Paloma’s impressive combat skills come to the forefront during the shootout, as she takes on multiple henchmen with some impressive moves.
The dynamic between Bond and Paloma during the shootout adds an extra layer of excitement to the scene, and their teamwork and mutual respect amplify the intensity of the action.
Amidst the chaos, they share an ironic moment at the bar, where bond quickly purs them both a shot of rum. And with a hint of disbelief, he questions Paloma, “Three weeks training, really?”
Watch Ana de Armas’ Paloma in Not Time To Die
She playfully responds, “More or less,” before they both dive back into the fray. This brief exchange further highlights their camaraderie and adds a touch of humour to an action packed scene.
New Agent 007, Nomi, is also there looking to officially capture Obruchev for MI6, She plays her part in the intense shootout. Thanks to her MI6 tools, she actually captures the scientist and takes him away, but Bond then tries to capture him from Nomi, adding an intriguing element of rivalry to the action.
Because of Bond’s determination to take Obruchev from Nomi, the scientist manages to get away high up on a scaffold tower, only for Paloma to drive a car into it, causing the scaffold to collapse and bring down the escaping Obruchev.
This clever manoeuvre allows Bond to take him captive, highlighting the strategic collaboration between Bond and Paloma.
The Lasting Impact of Paloma’s Character on the Bond Franchise
Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Paloma in No Time To Die has had a profound and lasting impact on the James Bond franchise. Her character defies the expectations often associated with Bond girls, especially the earlier ones.
The introduction of a powerful and self-reliant female character like Paloma, and one who isn’t interested in bedding him holds significant importance in modernizing the Bond franchise.
This hasn’t gone down well with everybody, and some fans still yearn for the classic portrayal of Bond and his philandering escapades. However, in a world where attitudes and behaviours that were once acceptable in the 1960s are now considered sexist, it’s crucial for the Bond series to adapt.
By striking a balance between preserving the essence of the iconic character and embracing modern sensibilities, the franchise can continue to captivate and entertain audiences across generations.
Paloma’s inclusion in No Time To Die elevates the franchise by offering a fresh perspective on what Bond girls might be like going forward in Bond 26 and beyond.
Ana de Armas’ Paloma in No Time To Die
The scene featuring Ana de Armas’ Paloma in No Time To Die is a memorable and impactful moment in the entire Bond franchise. From the initial bar meet up in which she looks set for a scene in Legally Blonde to the adrenaline-pumping shootout where her combat prowess rivals that of John Rambo, this iconic scene leaves a lasting impression.
