Ad Vitam

Netflix's French action thriller Ad Vitam, directed by Rodolphe Lauga and starring Guillaume Canet, offers a compelling, if uneven, mix of thrilling stunts and character-driven drama. The film begins when Franck Lazareff, an elite former GIGN agent played by Guillaume Canet, finds himself plunged into a life-threatening crisis. His pregnant wife Léo is abducted during a brutal burglary, and Franck is accused of murder. This explosive opening sequence immediately sets the tone, promising non-stop action and emotional tension. However, as the story unfolds, the film's structure, pacing and narrative depth leave much to be desired, resulting in a film that is both thrilling and strangely inert.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Ad Vitam is its ambitious non-linear structure. The story oscillates between a present-day countdown to save Léo and lengthy flashbacks that delve into Franck's GIGN past. While this approach is intended to create suspense and provide the necessary information, it really detracts from the film's dynamic. The flashback sequences, while rich in detail - training montages, moments of team cohesion and Franck and Léo's budding romance - are so numerous that they overshadow the urgency of the present. By the time the narrative returns to the present, the tension built up in the opening scenes has dissipated, and it's hard to re-engage with the stakes.

Guillaume Canet's performance as Franck is commendable, but it really lacks the emotional depth one might expect from a protagonist facing such personal and professional turmoil. Guillaume Canet, who also co-wrote the screenplay, excels in the physical aspects of his role: climbing buildings, intense hand-to-hand combat and high-speed chases. These action scenes are executed with impressive realism, thanks in part to Guillaume Canet's rigorous preparation and the film's commitment to practical stunts. However, Franck's stoicism, while befitting a hardened former special forces officer, leaves little room for viewers to connect with his plight on a deeper level. His motivations are clear - to protect his family and clear his name - but the absence of visible emotional turmoil diminishes the impact of his journey.

Stéphane Caillard, who plays Léo, delivers a remarkable performance. Unlike many damsels in action films, Léo is presented as a capable and resilient character, thanks to her own training with the GIGN. The scenes in which she fights her way through the home invasion are particularly convincing, adding a layer of credibility to her character. However, despite her initial determination, Léo spends most of the second half of the film as a passive hostage, giving the impression of a missed opportunity to develop her role further. The chemistry between Stéphane Caillard and Guillaume Canet is palpable, particularly in the flashback sequences describing their romance and life together in the elite police unit. These moments, while charming, contribute to the film's pacing problems by distracting attention from the central conflict.

The supporting cast, including Nassim Lyes, Zita Hanrot and Alexis Manenti, add depth to Ad Vitam's world, portraying Franck's former comrades with authenticity and warmth. Their camaraderie is evident in flashbacks, creating a sense of close-knit brotherhood that underscores the tragedy of Franck's current situation. Johan Heldenbergh plays the antagonist menacingly, although his character's motivations remain frustratingly vague. The film hints at a wider conspiracy involving corruption within the GIGN and other government agencies, but never fully explores these themes, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Visually, Ad Vitam is an undeniable success. Vincent Mathias' cinematography captures the gritty beauty of Paris and its surroundings, from narrow city streets to sprawling rooftops. The action sequences are well choreographed and filmed with clear spatial awareness, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the stunts and scenery. One particularly memorable sequence involves Franck rappelling down the Sacré-Cœur, a vertigo-inducing stunt that illustrates the film's commitment to practical effects and real locations.

Despite its strengths, Ad Vitam is not without its faults. The script, co-written by Lauga, Canet and David Corona, struggles to strike a balance between action scenes and character-driven storytelling. The result is a film that feels disjointed, with long passages of exposition interrupting the flow of action. What's more, although the film's 95 minutes are relatively fast-paced, the uneven pacing gives the impression that the film is longer than it is. By the time of the showdown, the initial excitement has subsided, and the resolution seems more obligatory than satisfying.

Ad Vitam attempts to combine the thrills of Hollywood blockbusters with the emotional resonance of European cinema. In a way, it succeeds. The film offers enough visceral thrills to keep action fans entertained, and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, love and betrayal adds a layer of complexity often lacking in genre films. However, its uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters and convoluted narrative structure prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Ad Vitam is a solid, if imperfect, entry into the action thriller genre. It showcases Guillaume Canet's versatility as an actor and filmmaker, and offers enough adrenaline-pumping moments to satisfy casual viewers. However, for those looking for a more coherent and emotional experience, the film may fall short. The film's title, which means For Life, evokes the enduring bonds and ideals that drive the characters. Unfortunately, while these themes are present, they are not fully realized, leaving Ad Vitam as a film that entertains in the moment but fades from memory shortly after the credits roll.

Ad vitam
Directed by Rodolphe Lauga
Produced by Guillaume Canet, Jean Cottin
Written by Rodolphe Lauga, Guillaume Canet
With Guillaume Canet, Stéphane Caillard, Nassim Lyes, Zita Hanrot, Alexis Manenti, Johan Heldenbergh, Etienne Guillou-Kervern, Jamel Blissat, Maurice Chan, Schmitt Charly, Laurent Merillon
Music: Amine Bouhafa
Director of photography: Vincent Mathias
Editing: Yann Malcor, Marion Monnier
Production company: Les Films du Cap
Distributed by Netflix (France, USA)
Release date: January 10, 2025 (France, USA)
Running time: 95 minutes

Viewed on January 10, 2025 on Netflix

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