Image: Netflix
France’s latest Netflix original action movie, aliasnow it’s streaming, but should i give it a watch?
For Netflix Original Movies, action-packed crime and thrillers from France have been all over the map in terms of quality and success. At the low end, the efforts of big stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme (the last mercenary) or Jean Reno (rebel city) did not fare well from a critical perspective. They also failed to garner enough attention to franchise something with those notable names. However, at the high end, surprise hits like 2020 lost bullet it did well enough critically and captured a sizable enough audience to spawn a sequel in 2022. Lost Bullet 2: Back for More.
The success of lost bullet not only did it open the door to a potential franchise, but it also put its star Alban Lenoir on a bigger stage than the television-filled, minor-character-filled episodic work his career had produced up to that point. He then co-starred in the sci-fi comedy Big Bug by famed French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet for Netflix and, of course, he starred once again in the sequel to Lost Bullet reprising the role of him as a petty criminal turned fancy mechanic. . Linen.
His latest Netflix movie in French, aliasbrings Lenoir back to the roles of co-writer and lead actor as he is mixed once again between the worlds of the police and the criminal underground.
Co-written and directed by Lost Bullet cinematographer Morgan S. Dalibert, the film centers on a die-hard special operations agent (Lenoir) who finds his morality tested when he infiltrates a crime syndicate and is unexpectedly linked with the chief’s young son.
Unlike the more standard fare of the genre in America, alias it has a much slower, subtle, and methodical approach to its storytelling and character development. Many American action movies are quick to tell you everything you need to know about their main character so they can jump right into the elaborate fight sequences and quests for the complete annihilation of some criminal organization. This film may show you Adam Franco’s fieldwork prowess quite early on, but the backstory of who he is, why he chose this line of work, and where his loyalties really lie is presented in little bits scattered throughout. 2 hours long. The conspiracy plot seemingly unfolds at the same speed as Adam’s character, which serves for a cohesive balance that leads to a rather revealing and explosive ending.
Image: Netflix
For fans of the genre, don’t worry; the action here is also pretty good for what seems like a modest budget. While not quite as relentless as the «gun fu» style of action from Southeast Asia or John Wick this year, you do get plenty of quality headshots and melee combat throughout. Lenoir’s Adam Franco has the combination of skills that would make him a great addition to a film series like Extraction with exceptional physique, impressive marksmanship and mental toughness.
While many of the characters, including Adam, are very thin with varying degrees of cliché, I think the movie does enough with them to move the story forward and lead us to the next explosive bang. Just like John Wick loves his dogs and his car, Adam Franco has his weakness for protecting young children, giving the film an unexpected dose of heart and humanity.
In general, alias is a solid entry for fans of Lenoir and the Lost Bullet film series with enough guns blazing to satisfy any fan of action-packed crime thrillers. With a more reserved approach, a dash of warmth and heart, and a passable conspiracy plot, this film stands out among its other French Netflix offerings.
Look alias on Netflix if you like:
- lost bullet
- rebel city
- dirt and blood
- The reduction
MVP of alias on netflix
Alban Lenoir as Adam Franco
It does have a few John Wick-like lines these days though. Alban Lenoir provides such a commanding and commanding presence that it makes up for the thin character design. He reads like a watered down French version of Tom Hardy or Jason Statham and could repeat these types of movies for several years.
PLAY, PAUSE OR STOP? alias on netflix
PLAY.
With impressive pacing and satisfying action sequences, alias is one of the best Netflix Originals of the genre, especially those that have been produced in France. Just like the French action movie lost bulletthis one could have a sequel in his future.