Kali

Kali, directed by Julien Seri, is a captivating action thriller that plunges viewers into a world of intense emotion and relentless action. The female lead is Sabrina Ouazani, who plays Lisa, also known as Kali, a former special forces agent. The story begins with a heartbreaking revelation for Kali: her husband has been brutally executed in Rio de Janeiro, the victim of a conspiracy to cover up a huge corruption scandal. Devastated and with nothing left to lose, Kali embarks on a quest for vengeance and truth, armed with unfailing determination and a ferocity that drives the story forward.

Julien Seri's direction manages to maintain the tension throughout the story, with some highly effective action sequences. Known for his dynamic, gritty style, Julien Seri brings the same energy to Kali, creating a film that is both visually striking and emotionally charged. The script, co-written by Cyril Ferment, Pascal Sid and Julien Seri himself, is tightly woven, ensuring a relentless pace. The plot is admittedly simple, but executed with such intensity that it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats without a false note. The emphasis on the themes of corruption and justice resonates deeply, adding a layer of depth to the frantic action.

Sabrina Ouazani's performance as Kali is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies the character with a raw intensity that captures the audience's attention from the very first scene. Sabrina Ouazani portrays Kali's grief and anger with a nuanced performance that makes her quest for revenge both credible and convincing. Alongside her, Philippe Bas and Olivia Côte deliver solid performances, each contributing to the film's emotional and narrative depth. Bas, in particular, stands out for his interpretation of a character who adds complexity to the unfolding drama.

Michel Taburiaux's cinematography is another highlight, capturing the vibrant, dangerous streets of Rio de Janeiro. The choice of location adds a unique flavor to the film, providing a colorful yet gritty backdrop to Kali's mission. The action sequences are meticulously choreographed, with every fight scene and explosion designed to maximize impact. These sequences are complemented by Sacha Chaban's powerful musical score, which heightens the overall tension and drives the film's emotions.

Despite its many strengths, Kali is on familiar ground in the action-thriller genre. Yet even if the film's execution is first-rate, the plot can sometimes seem predictable, adhering to themes of revenge. However, this predictability does not significantly detract from the film's overall impact. The emotional core of the story, driven by Sabrina Ouazani's performance, ensures that the audience remains invested in Kali's journey from start to finish.

Kali is in a class of its own when it comes to selecting the best action films of 2024. Julien Seri's direction, combined with Sabrina Ouazani's convincing performance, creates a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The exploration of corruption, justice and revenge is meticulously handled, making Kali a must-see for fans of the genre. Admittedly, we would have preferred to see it in the cinema rather than on television, however great it may be. Certainly, for those looking for a film that offers both frenzied action and emotional depth, Kali deserves to be added to their viewing list. We were totally won over, under the undeniable spell of the superb Sabrina Ouazani.

Kali
Directed by Julien Serri
Produced by Raphaël Cohen, Victor Hadida, Julien Seri
Written by Julien Seri, Cyril Ferment, Pascal Sid
Starring Sabrina Ouazani, Olivia Côte, Philippe Bas
Music by Sacha Chaban
Cinematography : Michel Taburiaux
Edited by Richard Riffaud             
Production companies : Davis Films, Daigoro Films, Amazon 
Distributed by Prime Video (France)
Release date : May 31 2024 (France)
Running time : 96 minutes

Viewed on May 20, 2024 (screener press)

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