Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gun violence, fighting, language in messy action thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ad Vitam
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In AD VITAM, Franck (Guillaume Canet) is preparing for a nice quiet life with his wife while they together anticipate their first child. But when Franck's very pregnant wife is kidnapped and he's framed for murder, he has to figure out a way to clear his name and save his wife and unborn child.
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately, this film never comes together and doesn't offer anything new to the genre. A lot of Ad Vitam feels rushed, unfocused, and muddled. After a decent setup and first 15 minutes or so, the film jumps 10 years earlier for an incredibly long flashback that effectively serves as the middle section of the narrative. This doesn't help the final act in that there's no ramp-up to the climax, as the film has just spent an hour showing the main characters in the past.
By the time the present day returns, all momentum of the film's introduction has long disappeared. On top of everything, many plot elements aren't delivered particularly clearly, like what exactly happened that needed to be covered up by "the government" and why, what "the key" really unlocked, and who exactly were "the bad guys." Throwing in a few unintentionally laughable moments (the paragliding scene) only confirms this film's lack of oversight. In more deft or seasoned hands, this movie could've been executed better, but even on paper there's nothing here that the genre hasn't already offered up a hundred times.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in action thriller movies. What moments of violence in Ad Vitam were particularly exciting? Do you feel like the violence enhanced the thrills in this movie? Why, or why not?
Do you think Franck makes good decisions? Would you have done anything differently?
Are you satisfied with how the film ends? Was the ending exciting or a letdown? Why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 10, 2025
- Cast : Guillaume Canet , Stéphane Caillard , Nassim Lyes , Zita Hanrot
- Director : Rodolphe Lauga
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 17, 2025
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