Ad Vitam Ending Explained: Does Franck Manage to Save His Family? Is Franck Alive or Dead?
The French film Ad Vitam conquered the Netflix public by mixing moments of tension with unexpectedly ironic situations, which made it a unique viewing experience. At the heart of the story is Franck Lazareff, a former member of GIGN, the French elite police, who are involved in a dangerous government conspiracy. His life is turned upside down when his wife Leo is kidnapped, forcing him to deal with a secret he has kept for years. In Ad Vitam, led by Jean-Baptiste Durand, we follow the intense story of Franck Lazareff, a former GIGN member who, after leaving his life behind in the special forces, finds himself caught up in a political intrigue that endangers his family. Franck, his wife Leo, and their unborn baby are dragged into a conspiracy when he discovers incriminating evidence related to the French government. With his wife kidnapped and the clock against it, Franck faces a dilemma: fight for the truth or protect his own?
Ad Vitam: Plot Summary
“Ad Vitam” features the former GIGN agent (the special forces of the French Gendarmerie) Franck Lazarev (Guillaume Canet), who has been landing for some time as superintendent of the works of the Notre Dame cathedral, often all clogged in mid-air between harnesses and ropes. Married to Leo (Stéphane Caillard) and waiting for a son, Franck is almost killed by the carelessness of a new colleague of his, who immediately escapes. But why did it happen? It all dates back to 10 years earlier, when Franck entered the GIGN, following the paternal example, quickly becoming one of the team’s top elements. But following a confused and mysterious operation that ended badly, Franck was forced to resign and say goodbye to his career. After so many years, though, evidently, someone has decided that it is time to plug his mouth anyway, so he kidnaps his wife and threatens him. But what does Franck know so important? The final answer will come after an intricate, tortuous, complicated drama.
We will find ourselves between state secrets, secret services, subversion, and above all the clear feeling that nothing is what it seems. Ad Vitam is directed by Rodolphe Lauga and sees Guillaume Canet as producer, as well as co-writer together with David Corona and Rodolphe Lauga. The French actor is surrounded by a cast that includes, among others, Nassim Lyes, Zita Hanrot, Jonah Heldenberg, and Alexis Manenti, and tries from the first to the last minute to give credibility to a story that, objectively, knows a lot of already seen and already heard. Ad Vitam continually winks at the great classics of cinematography that have tried to combine spy stories, action, and thrillers. The plot in itself moves between past and present continuously, trying to make us understand the general picture a little at a time, although from mid onwards the cards are now quite face-up. The final result is a film that assumes a lot of itself, especially from its protagonist, but has very few cartridges to shoot and those few are not particularly valued even aesthetically.
Ad Vitam Ending Explained: Franck’s Past and the Weight of Guilt?
Ten years before the events that are told to us in the film, Franck was a young agent motivated by the desire to honor his father, who died on duty. His friendship with Nico, a colleague of the GIGN, and the proximity to Leo, lead Franck to confront the idea of having a family. However, a mission ending in tragedy with the death of Nico leaves our protagonist devastated and full of guilt: this event pushes him to leave the GIGN, unable to face the burden of responsibility for the death of his friend.
After his leave, Franck discovers a dark secret related to the failed mission: one of the criminals involved was a former special forces soldier, now operational for DGSI, French internal intelligence. Finding out that the government has tried to cover up a failed international arms deal, Franck has evidence that could incriminate high-ranking officials; these, hidden in a safe, represent a direct threat to those who want to keep silent about what happened.
Sacrifice and Redemption
In the climax of the film, Franck and his friend Ben come up with a plan to save Leo, “exchanging it” for the badge containing compromising information. However, the meeting turns out to be one trap orchestrated by the kidnappers. With the help of Ben, who disguises himself to mask his identity, they manage to free Leo; during the escape, however, Leo is seriously injured. Franck, realizing that the only way to ensure the safety of his wife and unborn child is sacrifice, decides to distract the pursuers, allowing Ben to bring Leo to safety.
Franck is arrested shortly thereafter, but his heroic action is not in vain: Leo, determined to obtain justice, uses the evidence that Franck had entrusted to her to expose the government’s involvement in arms trafficking. With press support and public opinion on their side, Leo manages to get Franck released. The film ends with Franck and Leo getting together, ready to build a new life together with their baby girl. Although they got justice, the shadow of revenge by powerful political figures remains a constant threat. However, the couple is determined to protect their family and to live without hiding anymore.
The Meaning of the Title?
The title of the film itself, Ad Vitam, aroused curiosity among the spectators, who immediately wondered what was hidden behind the choice of this Latin expression. The term “Ad Vitam” literally translates to “for life“, but its symbolic value echoes through the entire film: in particular, the phrase is visible on Franck’s badge, a memory left by the deceased father. This object is not only a symbol of Franck’s brilliant career in GIGN but also becomes a focal point for the development of the plot. After a fatal encounter, where his partner Nico loses his life during a risky mission, Franck’s badge, sprinkled with traces of blood, reveals the link between a government conspiracy and the death of his partner, the first step to getting to the truth hidden behind the crimes he witnessed.
Franck’s journey during the film is marked by a sense of guilt that has haunted him for years, fueled by Nico’s death and his expulsion from GIGN. However, the film also explores his desire for redemption, which is intertwined with his love for his family: when his wife Leo is kidnapped, Franck is driven to do everything to save his family, putting your life at stake. The meaning of the title “Ad Vitam” is therefore constantly evolving from the simple inscription on a badge, it becomes a real mantra of life, to represent the strength that Franck finds to protect those he loves. The determination of Guillaume Canet’s character to sacrifice himself for the well-being of Leo and their child reflects his “commitment to life”, not only towards his wife but also to honor the memory of his friend Nico.
Does Franck Manage to Save His Family?
In the Ad Vitam outcome, Franck attempts to negotiate with the armed men led by Vanaken, promising to hand over the object they are looking for: his father’s insignia with a bloodstain that connects senior officials to a national security scandal. However, he quickly realizes that the kidnappers have no intention of leaving them alive. In a crucial turn, Ben, his former GIGN partner, arrives to save him at the last moment, unleashing a shooting that allows them to escape. During the chase, Leo is shot, leading Franck to make a desperate decision: face his enemies alone to distract them and give Ben time to take Leo to the hospital. Through adrenaline-filled maneuvers, such as a motorcycle chase and a spectacular paragliding jump over Versailles, Franck manages to mislead his pursuers and buy time. Finally, Franck arrives at the hospital, where he confronts Vanaken in a physical confrontation. The GIGN, now involved, stops him right after making sure Leo receives medical attention. Franck is arrested, but the story doesn’t end there.
What Happens to Franck and Leo in the end?
In Ad Vitam‘s final moments, it is revealed that Leo not only survived the shooting but gave birth to a healthy girl. Also, Leo had taken the key to the hideout where Franck kept the crucial evidence before the armed men broke into his apartment. Thanks to this evidence, he manages to expose the government scandal and demonstrate Franck’s innocence in court. Although Franck spends time in prison, Leo never stops visiting him with his daughter. Upon being released, Franck can finally hug his daughter and start a new life with his family. Ben, who also survived the injuries sustained during the rescue, watches excitedly as Franck finds new hope in his role as father.
What Does Ad Vitam Symbolize?
The title, which means “for life”, encapsulates Franck’s emotional journey, from his pride in his father’s legacy to his struggle to protect his family and expose the truth. Throughout the film, the motto inscribed on his father’s insignia acts as a constant reminder of sacrifice, responsibility, and commitment to a greater purpose, even in the face of adversity.
Will There Be a Sequel to Ad Vitam?
The end leaves open the possibility of continuation. Exposure to the government scandal has destabilized top political leaders, and Franck could once again become a target. With life seemingly calm, the question remains as to how long Franck will be able to keep his family safe amid possible political revenge.
