Ad Vitam

2025 - 1 - 11

Is 'Ad Vitam' Netflix's Newest Thrill or Just Another Dull Chore?

action thriller - Ad Vitam - film review - GIGN - Netflix - revenge theme - Rodolphe Lauga - streaming chart

Catch the latest buzz about 'Ad Vitam'—the French action thriller causing a stir on Netflix!

Rodolphe Lauga’s *Ad Vitam* is the latest contender in the action thriller genre, now making waves on Netflix streaming charts around the globe. With a promising premise tied to themes of revenge and high-stakes action, the film garnered attention for its over-the-top excitement and paragliding stunts. But as its popularity soars, so does the criticism—it seems the film’s thin plot leaves much to be desired, as it struggles to keep the heart of the narrative alive between explosive action sequences.

Those who have jumped into *Ad Vitam* will find a mix of thrilling moments and missteps that hint at a lost opportunity. Critics have highlighted the film’s attempts to emulate the gritty, lean formulas of predecessors in the genre while being overshadowed by a narrative that doesn’t quite land. The overused trope of a protagonist seeking vengeance feels familiar and, at times, quite formulaic. While viewers may tune in for the adrenaline-packed scenes, they might end up scratching their heads at the intricate time jumps which can confuse more than clarify.

The film’s title itself, *Ad Vitam*, which translates from Latin to mean 'for life', adds an intriguing layer of ambiguous meaning. How does this phrase relate to the film's narrative? It offers a glimpse into the central themes of life, death, and revenge—embarking on a whirlwind of dynamic action, yet tethered by the stakes that come with those choices. The characters, especially those from the elite GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group), bring an exciting military flair to the story, but unfortunately, not enough depth to fully captivate the audience.

So, should you stream it or skip it? That depends on what you’re in the mood for. If adrenaline-pumping action is your jam, *Ad Vitam* may just hit the spot despite its lack of cohesive storytelling. However, if you crave a riveting plot to accompany your thrills, you may find the film leaves you wanting more. Overall, *Ad Vitam* stands as a quintessential modern action thriller—but one that serves as a reminder that excitement alone doesn’t always make for a compelling cinematic experience.

In addition, did you know that around 70% of Netflix subscribers have viewed the content regardless of their critical reception? It goes to show that action-packed films maintain an allure that dialogues and plot complexity often can't compete with. Furthermore, *Ad Vitam's* paragliding sequences have been noted as a technical achievement—bringing stunning visuals to the forefront, even if the story behind them may falter.

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Image courtesy of "Roger Ebert"

Ad Vitam movie review & film summary (2025) | Roger Ebert (Roger Ebert)

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'Ad Vitam' Tops Netflix Streaming Chart, Peaks on Global List (MovieWeb)

'Ad Vitam' is the latest revenge action thriller to top the Netflix chart, even if it has not completely won over critics.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

'Ad Vitam' Review: High Stakes and Paragliding (The New York Times)

“Ad Vitam,” directed by Rodolphe Lauga, is torn between allegiances. The film tries to emulate its peers' lean, gritty formula but can't resist sneaking in ...

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Ad Vitam Movie: The Meaning of Phrase 'Ad Vitam' In Relation to ... (The Direct)

The French Netflix thriller is catching the interest of both those who have seen it and those who have not.

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Image courtesy of "Decider"

Stream It Or Skip It: 'Ad Vitam' on Netflix, A French Action-Thriller ... (Decider)

Ad Vitam includes too many shots of all of the above, and doesn't firmly establish its central time jump. And while it introduces enough information from the ...

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Image courtesy of "Heaven of Horror"

Ad Vitam (2025) – Review | Netflix Action Thriller | Heaven of Horror (Heaven of Horror)

AD VITAM is a new Netflix Action Thriller. This French movie features characters that work in the GIGN (I'll get back to this later) and has lots of action.

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