When a former member of an elite tactical unit activates the enemy on this Netflix movie, the impact is extra absurd than climactic—our hero is on a goofy paraglider, and the transfer lands as an unintentional comedy relatively than a pulse-pounding thriller. Advert Vitam was already on the ropes and this scene is the coup de grâce.
“Lost Bullet”, “Sentinel”, “Earth and Blood”: France has change into a dependable supply of slick and fast-paced motion fare for Netflix, fueled by filmmakers (reminiscent of Julien LeclercGuillaume Pierret, Romain Gavras) and actors (Alban Lenoir, Franck Gastambide) who’re as efficient as they’re comparatively unknown, even of their native nation.
So it was intriguing to see busy star Guillaume Canet – an actor, author and director whose personal “don’t tell anyone” from 2008, could also be the most effective Harlan Coben adaptation ever made – join one in every of these bonkers.
Sure, that is Cane because the paragliding avenger Frank, who tries to free his kidnapped pregnant spouse Leo (Stéphane Caillard) from an extortionist thug. At stake isn’t solely the destiny of Leo, but in addition the French authorities.
Advert Vitam, directed by Rodolphe Lauga, is torn between allegiances. The movie tries to emulate the lean, gritty formulation of its friends, however it will probably’t resist sneaking in glamorous areas just like the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and Versailles. The minimal plot is supposed to assist the spartan narrative, however after a promising begin, the movie veers off into an overlong flashback. This can be to provide Franck emotional weight, nevertheless it solely creates stomach fats.
To Life
Not rated. In French, with subtitles. Period: 1 hour 35 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
