You Need To Watch ‘Athena’ After You Finish ‘Ad Vitam’

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As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been thoroughly captivated by the French action thriller “Ad Vitam” since its recent premiere this month. However, if you’re looking for another gritty, action-packed French film to stream, let me suggest “Athena,” which was released in 2022. This gripping drama plunges viewers into the tumultuous world of riots and violence that erupted after the heartbreaking death of a young boy. The boy’s older brothers – one a soldier, another a criminal, and the third on a quest for vengeance – find themselves squarely in the eye of this destructive storm. Regardless of whether you were a fan of “Ad Vitam,” I wholeheartedly recommend giving “Athena” a watch.

Under the direction and co-writing of Romain Gavras (known for “Our Day Will Come” and “The World Is Yours”), in collaboration with Ladj Ly and Elias Belkeddar, the movie titled “Athena” features a star-studded cast including Dali Benssalah (“No Time to Die”), Sami Slimane (“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”), Anthony Bajon (“The Prayer”), Ouassini Embarek (“The Good Thief”), and Alexis Manenti (“Les Misérables”, “Ad Vitam”). For more details, you can read the official synopsis provided below.

Returning from my duties on the frontline, I find myself thrust back into the chaos of my own household, following the tragic death of my youngest brother, allegedly at the hands of the police. My family, once united, is now fragmented, with my siblings torn apart by grief and anger.

My younger brother Karim yearns for vengeance, while my elder brother Moktar’s criminal activities only serve to fuel the tension. I stand in the middle, trying desperately to quell the rising storm. As events spiral out of control, our community, ATHENA, transforms into a fortress under siege, becoming a tragic stage for not just our family, but for all those who dwell within its walls…

Critics & Audiences Loved ‘Athena’

Despite facing harsh criticism, the series “Ad Vitam” received a poor rating of 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator site. In stark contrast, the epic action drama titled “Athena” was highly praised, earning an impressive score of 86%. This makes it “certified fresh,” a term used for highly-rated films or TV shows, and a must-watch on Netflix. Critics’ consensus states that although some argue it may not fully explore its deeper themes, “Athena” offers exhilarating, impactful viewing experiences in the moment.

Not only did the action film, “Athena,” earn positive reviews from critics (scoring a commendable 72% on the Popcornmeter), but it also captivated audiences. Contrastingly, while the concept of “Ad Vitam” might have appealed to you (though it didn’t resonate with viewers as well, garnering only 35%), the intricate themes and richly developed characters in “Athena” elevate it above the norm for action movies.

‘Athena’ Has a Lot More To Say Than Your Average Action Movie (Including ‘Ad Vitam’)

From what we’ve seen so far, it’s clear that Athena offers deeper themes compared to Ad Vitam. While the latter is a straightforward action-packed series similar to Taken, it lacks complex underlying elements. But if you enjoy not only physical action but also intellectual and emotional engagement, then Athena is the show for you.

Investigating the socio-political problems prevalent in the suburban districts of Paris, often marked by elevated joblessness and criminal activity, Athena skillfully weaves a contemporary tale of action and tragedy around the lives of three brothers.

In this action-packed movie, each sibling brings a unique perspective to their circumstances: one has chosen a military path, another is entrenched in the criminal underworld, and the youngest is driven solely by raw emotion and a thirst for revenge. This complex mix of characters allows Athena to explore deeper themes of society and politics than typical action films might. Although opinions on whether Athena successfully juggles these elements amidst the action and turmoil vary, its ambition elevates the movie to emotional and intellectual heights seldom seen in the action genre. You can now stream Athena on Netflix.

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2025-01-18 21:33