‘AKA’ Netflix Movie Review - An Attempt at Gritty Realism Falls Short

AKA is a film that attempts to grapple with the complex moral crisis of a special ops agent who finds himself torn between his duty and an unexpected bond with the boss's young son. Directed by Morgan S. Dalibert and starring Alban Lenoir and Eric Cantona, the movie's French-style gangster thriller approach is intended to offer a refreshing take on the genre, but ultimately falls short of delivering a captivating cinematic experience.

Alban Lenoir is the saving grace of this lackluster film. His performance as the conflicted agent is truly remarkable, and it's clear that he put his heart and soul into the role. Lenoir brings a complexity to his character that is missing from the rest of the movie. His subtle gestures and expressions convey the character's inner turmoil with ease, making it easy for the audience to empathize and connect with him.

Despite the film's shortcomings, Lenoir's talent manages to shine through and keep us engaged. But even his valiant efforts aren't enough to rescue this sinking ship. The film moves at a pace slower than a snail, with a lack of tension that leaves you yawning and disengaged from the character's inner turmoil.

And if that wasn't enough, we have Cantona's performance to add insult to injury. As a former football player, you'd expect him to bring some level of intensity and menace to his role as the villain, but that couldn't be further from the truth. His portrayal is so bland that you'll be wondering why they didn't just stick with an actual actor. It's like putting a pair of flip-flops on a snowman – it just doesn't make any sense.

On the bright side, the cinematography and editing are noteworthy. The way the camera moves, capturing the environment and the characters, is impressive. From the opening shot to the closing scene, the film boasts stunning cinematography and polished editing. The lighting and color grading gives the film a particular mood that adds to its unique aesthetic. It is almost as if the director realized that the storyline was not enough to keep the audience engaged, and tried to compensate with the visuals. While they do provide some relief from the film's mediocre storyline, they cannot make up for the absence of a compelling narrative.

So, to wrap it up, AKA is a movie that may catch the attention of die-hard fans of French-style gangster thrillers, but it lacks the spark needed to create a lasting impression. The themes of loyalty and morality are tackled, but they do not resonate with the audience in a meaningful way.

The storytelling lacks the necessary intensity, making the film fall short of its potential. It is a mediocre addition to the genre that fades into obscurity when compared to its competitors. If you're looking for an action-packed, emotionally charged thriller, you might want to give AKA a pass (or watch it if you’re in only for a little entertainment).

Final Score- [4.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times