Elyas (Florent-Emilio Siri - 2024)
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2024 8:26 am
Well, it wasn’t so bad.
Granted, I watched Kali two weeks ago, so my expectations were low, but this wasn’t terrible. I was worried when I saw Première call it a "so-bad-it’s-good" movie since they’re usually very kind (even overly so) to French films, especially if an interview opportunity with someone involved is possible within the next decade. However, other reviews were more favorable (even lenient), and some tweets were mixed as well.
In the end, it’s okay. It’s not completely bad or running on autopilot. The ex-soldier who’s traumatized and hyper-alert is a common trope—seen even in Sentinelle, a "masterpiece" from Julien Leclercq on Netflix. The bodyguard protecting a child from dangerous gangsters isn’t groundbreaking either. But it’s done fairly well, and the idea of an Arab family adds a different twist. Their house is impressive and makes for a great setting (apparently Tom Cruise’s usual vacation spot in France?!). There’s also an interesting dynamic between the guy’s paranoia and real threats.
This is the film’s main strength—it’s fundamentally very typical, but there are a few good story ideas that make it a bit enjoyable. (The script was written by a young guy from Twitter who dreamed of making movies, which is nice) (All for €450,000...!)
The ending is more basic and kind of disappointing, a full imitation of American movies, with elements seen millions of times before and done better. But I guess they needed to tick the boxes and justify the €12.5 million budget (?!)
The biggest flaw is the visual aspect, which is almost unpleasant. The cinematography is too bright and flat, doesn’t evoke anything, and it’s shot without creativity, style, or flair. It even fails to make Roschdy Zem look iconic, even though he’s charismatic, effective, and does a solid job.
So, nothing memorable or outstanding, but it’s definitely among the better action films in this wave of French cinema. Still waiting for the filmmakers who will stop imitating American B-movies from 25 years ago and start inventing and offering something of their own.