Rodolphe Lauga presents his latest thriller, following an impressive portfolio that includes *Relationship Status: It’s Complicated*, *La Source*, and *I Don’t Love You Either*. This diverse filmography has positioned Lauga firmly within the creative echelon of directors, heightening expectations for *Ad Vitam*. Its arrival on Netflix sparked significant interest, promising a gripping story enhanced by Lauga’s unique storytelling.
Guillaume Canet leads the cast with experiences that span notable works like *Little White Lies* and *Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom*. On the surface, *Ad Vitam* seeks to captivate, primed with suspense and drama. But does the film live up to these ambitions?
Ad Vitam Faces Key Setbacks
The film launches with a promising opening scene, featuring a layered introduction to Franck Lazarev (Guillaume Canet). Franck’s moment of tranquility ends as he and his pregnant wife, Leo, discover their apartment has been repeatedly burgled. The incident triggers unresolved tensions, with Leo holding Franck responsible, laying the groundwork for intrigue.
Despite *Ad Vitam*’s thrilling premise, the film feels overly familiar. Its initial sequences resemble countless thrillers already trodden by viewers in this genre. A consistent search for a unique edge persists throughout the runtime.
However, *Ad Vitam* is not without its cathartic moments. One standout scene depicts Franck and Leo collectively defending themselves during an unexpected encounter with intruders. Leo’s swift, compelling action, especially as a pregnant woman, transforms what could have been a clichéd scene into a moment worthy of applause.
Heightened Stakes but Uneven Tempo
Tensions escalate when Leo is kidnapped. Forced to confront unresolved secrets and summoning tremendous resilience, Franck’s race against time serves as the narrative’s gripping center. His ultimate goal? Ensuring the safety of Leo, who is less than two weeks from childbirth.
Yet, the central plot is not without its faults. At times, *Ad Vitam* struggles with pacing, shifting focus abruptly. Some subplots, rather than tying into the larger narrative, instead detract from its cohesion. Despite these hurdles, the film’s action sequences and select character developments maintain engagement.
Netflix’s track record of debuting outstanding thrillers isn’t bolstered with *Ad Vitam*. As the film unfolds, its derivative nature becomes increasingly apparent. The promised “oomph” remains elusive, leaving audiences yearning for more originality in execution.
Leonine Strength Meets an Underwhelming Experience
While devoted fans of Guillaume Canet may appreciate his layered portrayal, general Netflix viewers may find their interest waning. By blending moments of depth with lackluster sequences, *Ad Vitam* misses the golden mean. One can’t help but feel the film occasionally tips into the mundane, despite Lauga’s commendable direction.
Still, depicting Leo as an empowered individual capable of extraordinary actions is one of the film’s strengths, challenging conventions where pregnant women in cinema remain relegated to subdued roles.
Despite moments of brilliance, *Ad Vitam* fails to match stronger contemporaries in the thriller genre. The lack of a gripping momentum and overuse of genre tropes prove detrimental.
Conclusion
Rodolphe Lauga’s *Ad Vitam* struggles to deliver the high-stakes drama and intrigue that viewers expect. While it doesn’t entirely lack moments of impact—offering glimpses of Lauga’s artistic flair—it remains a disappointing addition to Netflix’s lineup. Those searching for a must-watch thriller may find better options elsewhere.
For those curious or supportive of Canet’s endeavors, *Ad Vitam* may warrant a chance. However, for the broader audience seeking immersive entertainment, this title may work better as a background distraction than a Friday night centerpiece.