Ad Vitam (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Action films have long held a special place in cinema, delivering adrenaline-pumping thrills and larger-than-life heroes. Yet, crafting a memorable action movie is no easy feat. With “Ad Vitam,” Rodolphe Lauga’s 2025 Netflix-exclusive French action thriller, audiences are treated to a mixed bag of intense sequences and an underwhelming narrative. This article delves into the movie’s strengths and shortcomings, while guiding you on where to watch it online.
Plot Overview: The Stakes and the Struggles
“Ad Vitam” revolves around Franck Lazareff (played by Guillaume Canet), a former elite agent whose life takes a devastating turn when he and his pregnant wife, Léo (Stéphane Caillard), are attacked in their home. After narrowly surviving an assassination attempt, Franck embarks on a desperate mission to rescue his kidnapped wife. The narrative is interwoven with flashbacks that reveal Franck and Léo’s past as members of the French Elite Intervention Squad (GIGN). Haunted by a career-ending mistake that claimed the lives of two teammates, Franck must confront his past to uncover a conspiracy that puts his family’s future at risk.
Strengths: Action-Packed Sequences
From its opening moments, “Ad Vitam” wastes no time diving into high-stakes action. The film showcases exhilarating hand-to-hand combat, tense shootouts, and daring escape scenes set against the backdrop of iconic French locations like Paris and Versailles. Lauga’s direction, paired with Vincent Mathias’ dynamic cinematography, delivers a visually striking experience.
Notably, the sequences highlighting Franck’s climbing prowess inject moments of palpable tension and suspense. These scenes recall the visceral thrills of early Bourne films, adding a layer of uniqueness to an otherwise familiar genre.
Weaknesses: Thin Plot and Character Development
While the action is engaging, the story’s lack of depth detracts from the overall experience. Co-written by Lauga, Guillaume Canet, and David Corona, the script relies heavily on clichés. The overused “action hero saving a loved one” trope is compounded by a vague conspiracy subplot that struggles to maintain intrigue.
Character development is another weak link. Despite being portrayed as a capable GIGN agent, Léo remains largely sidelined, reducing her to a damsel in distress. Franck’s stoic demeanor, though fitting for an action protagonist, lacks the emotional nuance needed to make his plight compelling. Supporting characters, such as Nico (Alexis Manenti) and Ben (Nassim Lyes), serve more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
Comparisons to Genre Giants
“Ad Vitam” aims to emulate successful action franchises like “Taken” and “The Fugitive,” but it falls short of their emotional and narrative impact. Guillaume Canet’s portrayal of Franck lacks the fiery intensity of Liam Neeson’s Bryan Mills or the relentless determination of Harrison Ford’s Richard Kimble. The result is a protagonist who feels competent but unremarkable.
Streaming Options: Where to Watch Online
As of now, “Ad Vitam” is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. For those who appreciate action films with a European flair, it’s worth a watch to pass the time. Unfortunately, the movie is not available on rental or purchase platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies in the United States.
Final Thoughts
“Ad Vitam” has moments that shine, particularly its action choreography and scenic settings. However, its narrative shortcomings and lack of character depth make it a middling entry in the action genre. Fans of French action films or Guillaume Canet’s work might find it entertaining, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re in the mood for a stylish, albeit imperfect, action thriller, head over to Netflix to stream “Ad Vitam” today. Share your thoughts on the movie in the comments below and let us know if you think it’s worth the watch!
