Netflix is expanding its film offerings, with French action films gaining traction. The latest release, GTMAX, follows motocross athlete Soélie, who becomes her brother’s coach after a life-altering accident. Faced with a €150,000 family debt, they plan a heist in Paris. Directed by Olivier Schneider, GTMAX has reached the top of Netflix’s rankings, although it has received mixed reviews, averaging a 3.0 from critics and 2.2 from audiences. The film is available for streaming now.
In recent years, Netflix has made significant strides in film production to enhance its content library. While the American market typically receives the lion’s share of focus, France is also making waves in the film industry, particularly in genres beyond just comedy. French action films are gaining prominence on Netflix, showcasing the unique perspectives of local directors. A notable example from this year is Le Salaire de la Peur, directed by Julien Leclercq, featuring talents like Franck Gastambide, Alban Lenoir, and Sofiane Zermani, which debuted earlier this March. Recently, Netflix unveiled a fresh French action flick that has quickly climbed to the top of the platform’s film rankings: GTMAX.
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A French Action Film with a Twist
As suggested by its title, GTMAX revolves around thrilling motorcycle escapades. The story follows Soélie (Ava Baya), a gifted motocross athlete whose dreams were derailed following a devastating road accident that left her unable to ride. Now, she has taken on the role of coach for her brother Michael (Riadh Belaïche, popularly known as Just Riadh), hoping to guide him in her stead.
However, the plot thickens when their parents reveal a staggering €150,000 debt, leading the bank to threaten the sale of their home and the beloved motocross track where the siblings grew up. Refusing to accept this fate, Michael joins forces with Tmax riders to orchestrate a heist in Paris that quickly spirals out of control. To save her family, Soélie must face her deepest fears and reclaim her place on the motocross circuit.
The Enduring Romance Between Netflix and French Action Cinema
As GTMAX claims the top spot on Netflix’s film chart, it is helmed by Olivier Schneider, known for directing the first season of Playground, which has since been discontinued. He is currently in the works for another action film titled Les Orphelins, featuring Alban Lenoir and set to release next year, with production by Gaumont. Among the production team, there’s a notable producer from Balle perdue and Aka, two other French action films on Netflix starring Alban Lenoir.
Despite its success, GTMAX has received mixed reviews, holding a 3.0 rating from the press on Allociné based on just three reviews, while audience feedback has been more critical, averaging 2.2 from 49 ratings and 9 reviews. Nevertheless, if you’re a Netflix subscriber, the film has been available since November 20, and it’s your chance to see for yourself what the buzz is all about.