You Won’t Believe the Shocking Twist in Netflix’s #1 Action Movie!

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caution: The subsequent content may reveal significant plot details about the series “Ad Vitam”. If you haven’t had a chance to watch the 2025 Netflix film of the same name, it would be best to do so first. Otherwise, key storylines might be unintentionally spoiled for you.

Occasionally, an unexpected film will skyrocket to the top of Netflix’s ranking list, leaving many people surprised. Just two weeks into the New Year, the French thriller Ad Vitam became a hit among Netflix subscribers and quickly climbed to the number-one spot on the platform. Being someone who enjoys exploring top action movies in my spare time, I made sure to catch this entertaining and suspenseful French film about a retired police officer trying to clear his name after his wife was kidnapped by a group of men.

Similar to a gripping thriller, the series Ad Vitam was brimming with numerous unexpected plots, among which one early on left me utterly astonished. Now, I find myself compelled to discuss this plot twist and why it elevated an already excellent action piece into one of the finest I’ve watched in a while.

Again, major spoilers follow…

Okay, Ad Vitam Is A Fun And Thrilling Action Movie With Some Great Twists

In just over 90 minutes, the action-packed thriller Ad Vitam kicks off at a breakneck pace. Charismatic ex-policeman Franck Lazareff, played by Guillaume Canet, grapples with the fallout from an incident that claimed the life of his best friend and thrust him into the crosshairs of a secretive government agency. The film scarcely pauses for breath, maintaining its high-speed momentum until the final credits roll.

Every time I thought I had a grasp on the story or could predict what would happen next, the movie would surprise me with another plot twist and electrifying action sequence, making me even more eager to see how things would unfold. However, there was one twist that stood out as being particularly well-executed. Allow me to elaborate…

The Reveal That Léo Is A Badass Who Can Handle Her Own Was Incredible

About ten minutes into the film, masked intruders burst into Franck and Léo’s (Stéphane Caillard) apartment, leading me to anticipate the familiar trope of the “damsel in distress” action movie, where the hero would have to rescue his pregnant wife from the clutches of a villain. However, while it’s accurate that Franck is driven to protect Léo, it becomes clear that she is far from helpless – she proves herself to be a formidable warrior capable of handling herself in both hand-to-hand combat and with firearms.

In a departure from typical action movie tropes, Netflix films such as “Rebel Ridge” often break the mold. This 2024 thriller, for instance, did this effectively. I was taken aback because until then, it appeared Léo wasn’t privy to what her husband was involved in. However, my surprise turned to delight when I saw her tossing men around, disarming them, and displaying an impressive level of fighting prowess—all while being eight months pregnant.

Until now, since her past wasn’t disclosed earlier, I didn’t know she could take on five armed opponents simultaneously, making that scene even more powerful. However, when the movie transitioned to her past, everything became clear.

The Narrative Structure (Present, Flashback, Present) Worked Perfectly For Léo’s Character, And This Reveal

As a film critic, I must confess that I’m not always enamored by the extensive use of flashbacks in movies, especially when they consume the majority or a significant chunk of the narrative. However, the innovative storytelling structure of Ad Vitam is flawlessly executed, and the skillful incorporation of flashbacks only enhances its cinematic appeal.

The flashback to 10 years ago gives us insight into why Franck’s life is in disarray now and why he’s no longer part of the elite squad, while simultaneously highlighting Leo as a determined, intelligent, and self-reliant member of that same unit, showcasing his negotiating talents. Although I believe a more conventional narrative could have been effective, Director Rodolphe Lauga’s strategy of initially displaying Leo’s combat skills before unraveling her background served Leo’s story exceptionally well.

Léo Shooting Bad Guys In A High-Speed Chase While Pregnant And Wounded Was Legitimately One Of The Most Badass Things I’ve Seen

In the climactic finale of Ad Vitam, an exhilarating and entertaining rollercoaster ride unfolds, filled with excitement and fun throughout. Although Franck’s death-defying tuck-and-roll out of a high-speed vehicle followed by his daring escape from the police using a paraglider is undeniably impressive, it pales in comparison to the tense moments beforehand when Léo skillfully fends off attackers from her seat while pregnant and wounded.

Throughout this entire series of events, Léo firmly established herself as an exceptional fighter, refusing to shy away or safeguard herself or her unborn child. Her elegance, prowess, and tenacity not only enhanced one of the finest car chases ever filmed, but significantly enriched the overall movie experience.

Then Léo, While Caring For A Newborn Baby, Solves The Whole Mystery And Clears Her Husband’s Name

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, following an intense gunfight and car chase, Léo gives birth in the hospital under trying circumstances, as Franck is apprehended by authorities for crimes he’s alleged, but innocent of. As Léo, a devoted wife and officer, grapples with her husband’s impending trial, she embarks on a relentless mission to clear his name and unmask the corrupt officials in the French government who engineered this plot against him. Admittedly, I yearned for more screen time dedicated to this aspect of the story, but it was riveting to see Léo’s unwavering determination, even while caring for a newborn baby throughout her quest.

This outstanding and satisfying conclusion neatly concluded Ad Vitam, wrapping up everything in a wonderful and satisfying manner. However, what truly stood out to me was that it was Léo who rescued the day, not just with her impressive physical abilities but also her sharp investigative skills honed over years as an elite officer. She’s undeniably one of the strongest female action characters I’ve encountered in recent times.

In summary, “Ad Vitam” has undoubtedly secured its spot among the top Netflix films and stands out as an exceptional thriller filled with unexpected plot developments. Although I’m not sure if a sequel is in the works (fingers crossed), there are some highly anticipated releases scheduled for 2025, featuring notable action movies.

If you want to revisit Ad Vitam, you can do so right now as it’s streaming on Netflix.

Stream Ad Vitam on Netflix.

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2025-01-17 00:08