Ad Vitam on Netflix has intense action, deep emotional themes, and beautiful backgrounds. This French action thriller, directed by Rodolphe Lauga and starring Guillaume Canet as Franck Lazareff, takes us on a dangerous journey through beautiful places. The movie‘s setting is just as much a character as the main characters, from fancy landmarks to the middle of nowhere.
Let’s dive into the heart of the filming locations, with a story as intriguing as Franck’s own journey.
Ad Vitam Movie Plot Summary;
Ad Vitam is a thrilling action thriller about Franck Lazareff—a former officer in the French special forces whose life falls apart after a terrible mission. When Franck decides to help with a hostage situation at the Trianon Hotel, his close friend Nico dies. This brings shame to Franck’s career, which he had been proud to be a part of. Franck has to quit the police force and starts a quiet life with his partner Leo, who is expecting their first child.
But when Vanaken, a cruel agent for the French government—takes Leo hostage, their whole world turns upside down. At the center of all the chaos is a mysterious key that Franck possesses. It holds proof of a deadly plot involving the GIGN, the CIA, and a plot to hide Nico’s death.
Franck has to find his way through a dangerous web of lies and betrayal to save Leo and tell the truth before time runs out. The movie has fast-paced chases, deep emotional scenes, and political intrigue. In the thrilling ending, Franck risks everything to save his family and bring justice to his fallen friend.
Where was the movie Ad Vitam filmed?
Most of the filming for Ad Vitam took place in Paris and its suburbs from April 8 to June 20, 2024. The crew created a compelling visual narrative using famous and lesser-known locations. Below, we explore these stunning backdrops in detail.
1. Paris, France
Paris, the lively capital of France—is the main location for Ad Vitam. The movie shows the city’s lively energy and timeless beauty by mixing scenes of beautiful architecture. Paris, France’s capital is a famous city known all over the world for its long history, lively culture and classic style. Paris, also called the “City of Light,” is a world-center for fashion, art, food, and intellectual pursuits.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Montmartre (Paris 18): This beautiful basilica on top of Montmartre has stunning views of the city and is one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. With the calm of the basilica and the excitement of Franck’s mission, the place makes for a dramatic setting for a key chase scene.
Seine River and its Bridges: Several scenes were shot along the Seine River, which was used to show the story through its beautiful banks and historic bridges. There is something very Parisian about these locations that add to the film’s gritty look.
2. Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, Yvelines
In Ad Vitam, the luxurious Chateau de Versailles is a—key setting that shows how grand French history and architecture are.
Versailles Gardens: The sprawling gardens of Versailles are featured in a tense pursuit scene, with Franck navigating the manicured hedges and fountains to evade capture.
The Hotel Trianon at Versailles
In the movie, the fancy Trianon Hotel in Versailles turns into a mess. At the beginning of the story, Franck and his team are called to this fancy hotel to help with a shootout. The grand rooms with their ornate designs and gold accents make the violence even more shocking.
3. Suburbs of Paris:
The movie shows the glitz and glamour of Paris and Versailles, but it also shows the less polished edges of the city, giving it a real, raw feel.
Industrial Zones and Warehouses: A lot of the action takes place in—industrial areas on the outskirts of Paris, which are very different from the city’s beautiful landmarks.
In Ad Vitam, the locations are more than just background—they are very important to the story and tone of the movie. Every setting from the busy streets of Paris to the peaceful but scary countryside—makes the story more interesting to read and look at. By using real places—the filmmakers added a level of realism that makes the audience feel more connected to Franck’s world.
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