Ad Vitam masterfully weaves together themes of loyalty, family, and justice in a gripping narrative that follows GIGN officer Franck Lazarev’s transformation from dedicated law enforcement officer to a man fighting desperately to protect his family while exposing a government conspiracy.

The film opens by establishing Franck’s world within France’s elite police unit GIGN, showcasing the tight-knit relationships between team members, particularly his friendship with Nico. These early scenes effectively contrast Franck’s professional competence with his personal uncertainties, especially his initial reluctance about impending fatherhood with his eight-months-pregnant wife Léo.

The turning point comes during what appears to be a routine call to investigate gunshots at the Trianon Hotel. This seemingly straightforward operation spirals into tragedy when Franck and his team encounter heavily armed men who prove to be more than common criminals. The ensuing confrontation results in Nico’s death and Franck’s forced departure from GIGN, setting in motion a chain of events that will unravel both his professional and personal life.

The film’s narrative gains complexity as Franck discovers that the hotel shooting involved secret service agents operating under government orders. His investigation reveals that one of the men killed was Salim Lakdaoui, an ex-special forces operative working for French intelligence. This discovery pulls him into a web of government conspiracy, culminating in him being framed for the murder of Stanislas Bouckaert through planted fingerprint evidence.

The stakes escalate dramatically when government operatives target Franck’s pregnant wife Léo, kidnapping her to force him to surrender his badge containing crucial blood evidence about the hotel shooting. This leads to one of the film’s most intense sequences – a heart-pounding chase through Paris streets as Franck and his former colleague Ben race to save Léo while evading both police and government agents.

The action reaches its climax in Rambouillet forest, where Léo is shot in the shoulder and goes into labor. The sequence showcases the film’s ability to balance intense action with personal drama, as Ben rushes the injured Léo to the hospital while Franck confronts the operatives. The hospital becomes the setting for a final showdown, with Franck fighting to protect both his wife and unborn child.

The film’s structure comes full circle as we see Franck in prison, where he’s eventually permitted to meet his newborn daughter. This moment marks both an ending and a beginning, showing how his initial hesitation about fatherhood has transformed into fierce devotion. The truth about the government’s involvement in the hotel shooting eventually emerges through Franck’s gathered evidence, leading to his exoneration and release from prison.

The revelation that the original hotel incident was connected to covered-up negotiations for an arms deal with Australia exposes the depths of government corruption. This subplot effectively illustrates how individual lives can be devastated by high-level political machinations, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of justice and accountability.

Throughout the narrative, the film pays particular attention to the personal cost of serving in law enforcement. The impact of Nico’s death on his wife Manon and their children provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and their families. The way the GIGN team supports each other’s families, especially after Nico’s death, demonstrates how professional bonds extend beyond work relationships.

The film’s title “Ad Vitam” (Latin for “to life”) takes on multiple layers of meaning as the story progresses. It references not only the new life Franck and Léo create together but also the sacrifices made to protect that life. This theme of life and protection runs throughout the film, from Franck’s initial reluctance about parenthood to his fierce determination to protect his family while seeking justice.

Through flashbacks to Franck’s early days in GIGN, the film explores how the unit’s values of loyalty and sacrifice shape its members. These glimpses into the past make the government’s betrayal even more impactful, highlighting the contrast between the unit’s dedication to service and the corruption they encounter.

The film excels at balancing multiple elements: intense action sequences, emotional personal moments, and complex political intrigue. Each chase scene and confrontation serves the larger narrative, building tension while developing characters and advancing the plot. The personal stakes remain high throughout, giving weight to every decision and its consequences.

Franck’s character arc forms the emotional core of the film. His journey from someone uncertain about fatherhood to a man willing to risk everything to protect his family and expose the truth provides a compelling through-line that ties together the various plot elements. His transformation reflects the film’s larger themes about the intersection of personal and professional duty.

The ending brings resolution while acknowledging the cost of justice. Franck’s exoneration and reunion with his family suggest hope for the future, while the exposure of government corruption indicates that some measure of accountability is possible. However, the film makes clear that this justice comes at a significant personal cost to all involved.

Ad Vitam succeeds in crafting a narrative that works on multiple levels – as an action thriller, a personal drama, and a commentary on institutional corruption. It shows how personal and professional lives intertwine for those in dangerous professions, and how the pursuit of truth can come at a devastating personal cost. The film’s ability to maintain emotional resonance while delivering intense action sequences makes it a standout entry in the genre.

Video Recap: