A recently released Netflix film that has been branded as a mix of AI tool chat GPT and Jackie Chan movies of the 90s is splitting fan opinion.
Ad Vitam, a French-produced action film, swiftly rose to the top spot on Netflix’s most-watched list in the UK after its release earlier this month. Despite falling to sixth place following the release of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz’s Back in Action, it remains a popular choice among viewers.
The film tells the story of Franck Lazarev, a former member of a specialised military unit who is dismissed after a tragic accident. His pregnant wife is kidnapped by a mysterious group, drawing Franck into a complex web of state affairs. With its unique blend of action and intrigue, Ad Vitam has elicited a mixed response from critics and viewers alike, reports the Mirror.
While some have expressed disappointment with the film, others are recommending it as an alternative to more mainstream titles. One viewer shared their experience online, stating that they needed to let the film “wash over” them to fully appreciate it. They wrote: “Wow. Just wow. Ad Vitam is the kind of film that leaves you asking yourself, “What just happened? And that, my friends, is why this movie is GENIUS.”
One went on: “First of all, the plot. What even is it? Who cares! Something about immortality and teenagers rebelling, but honestly, I stopped trying to understand 15 minutes in and just let it wash over me like a poorly edited fever dream. The dialogue is so deep you’ll spend more time trying to figure out if the characters are saying something profound or if they’re just bad at talking. Either way, it’s a total vibe.”
Another fan leaped to the film’s defense, stating: “I really enjoyed it. It was a thrill ride of an adventure that had me engaged. It was a well-made action movie, and for those heavily critical, I say to you, wake up. Cliché films have a formula; don’t watch them then.”
Meanwhile, a third found it entertaining despite its shortcomings, saying: “Was entertained from start to end. Didn’t overstay its 90 min runtime and was a good rush. Was it absurd and unrealistic?
“Absolutely, and in many ways – plot was silly, and some of the getaway scenes almost hilarious – it was almost like chat GPT mixed a bunch of 90’s Jackie Chan and van Damme movies together. But the action was top-tier, and the absurdity was entertaining. Not a great film in a traditional sense, but good fun.”
However, another viewer was less impressed, simply concluding: “Cops and robbers junk – but French, in Paris and dubbed. Bizarre and incredible. Has everything, including a paraglider helicopter chase, some garrotting, and a political scandal. But still junk.”
Ad Vitam is streaming on Netflix.