Rodolphe Lauga steers “Ad Vitam” down a path that deconstructs conventions, oscillating between a layered drama and visceral action sequences. At the heart of the plot, Franck Lazareff, played by Guillaume Canet, sees his life unravel as he is accused of murder and witnesses the abduction of his wife, Leo. The film builds upon this initial tension, leading the viewer through a narrative game that shifts between the brutality of the present and echoes of a past full of secrets. The screenplay, written by Lauga and David Corona with input from Canet himself, challenges conventional linearity, revealing fragments of a story that reshapes itself with each revelation.
The film defies predictability by opening with a burst of raw action, evoking the spirit of thrillers led by stars like Liam Neeson. However, this dynamism gives way to an extended dive into Lazareff’s past, where the puzzle pieces are repositioned, and his relationship with Leo unfolds with nuances rarely seen in the genre. This device not only humanizes the protagonists but also expands the film’s emotional reach. When the story returns to the present, the abrupt transition intensifies the tension and recontextualizes what has come before, maintaining a rhythm that refuses to settle into easy formulas.
Guillaume Canet’s performance adds layers of complexity to the protagonist, who is far from a relentless avenger archetype. He balances the lethality of a former special forces operative with vulnerabilities that make him tangible. Stéphane Caillard, as Leo, escapes the role of a passive supporting character and infuses strength into her performance, making her action scenes as impactful as those of the lead. The contrast between flashbacks and present-day events gives greater weight to their relationship, elevating the film beyond the expectations of a conventional thriller.
Despite its stylistic ambition, “Ad Vitam” faces challenges in merging the stark realism of a French crime drama with the frenetic aesthetic of action cinema. The cinematography, while elegant, sometimes leans too heavily on scenic locations, undermining immersion. The fight sequences, though well-choreographed, occasionally verge on exaggeration, weakening the emotional impact. However, the underlying tension and the subtle political critique woven throughout the narrative add an intriguing subtext, even if not fully explored.
As a whole, “Ad Vitam” stands out for its boldness in subverting expectations, delivering an experience that engages both the intensity of the genre and an unexpected depth. While its execution does not always strike a perfect balance between the styles it adopts, the energy of the narrative and the strength of its characters ensure a film worth watching. It challenges predictability and offers the audience a thriller that does not merely recycle formulas but seeks new ways to tell a story of pursuit, loss, and redemption.
Film: Ad Vitam
Director: Rodolphe Lauga
Year: 2025
Genres: Action/Crime/Drama
Rating: 8