Heist films like GTMax, with fast vehicles, tend to be a winner—through creativity, adrenaline, or both. An example of this is The Italian Job (2003) which made history with its Mini Coopers as key pieces in an ingenious heis, while Baby Driver turned car chases into pure synchronized choreography. Now, the French movie GTMax enters this race. Does it have what it takes to win?
The storyline of GTMax is basic: Pressured by family debts and the burden of protecting his parents' legacy, he enters a world of crime. The final act, however, is all about his sister, Soelie, who takes control of the situation with an audacious—and effective—plan, defeating the gang leader, and saving her brother in the process, thus ensuring the survival of the Carella legacy.
Circuit Carella—More than just a track
The lives of Michael and Soelie revolve around motocross. Built by their parents, Circuit Carella is the family's heart—but that heart is about to stop. Debts have been piling up, the bank is threatening to foreclose on everything, and the future? It looks increasingly bleak as GTMax progresses.
Soelie abandoned the tracks after a traumatic accident. Michael tries to shoulder the responsibility of honoring the legacy of his late mother, Clara, who used to be an incredible racer, by competing in a major race at the circuit. He leads for much of it but finishes second.
For his father, however, second place is not enough. In the meanwhile, his sister tries to help him but soon finds out that the financial hole is much deeper than she had imagined.
For Michael, the track that should be a space of pride is now a cruel reminder of everything they're losing—Clara's legacy, the family's connection, and even their house. Soelie is not any better. She is fighting her own ghosts—the accident that took her off the tracks and the guilt of not being on the front lines to save what remains.
With debts accumulating and their father growing more distant, Circuit Carella seems like a ticking time bomb—and the siblings know time is running out.
From racing to schemes
When Yacine, Michael's friend, appears with a proposal to "test bikes," things start to unravel. This job, which seemed like a quick chance to make money, is actually an invitation to the criminal underworld. Yacine works for Elyas, a gang leader who uses modified scooters to carry out robberies.
Michael accepts, but when he accelerates for the first time, he realizes that those bikes had not been made for racing—they're escape tools, fast and lethal, which sets the tone for GTMax.
Soelie senses the danger from afar. Watching her brother ride, she realizes this isn't about work; it's a game where Elyas always wins—and she can't let Michael become the next disposable piece on this board.
Michael gets involved first, but Soelie soon enters the scene to protect her brother. Elyas, manipulative and dangerous, uses every possible weapon to keep them in the scheme—including threatening to frame Michael for Yacine's murder. With this, Soelie has no choice—she needs to take part in the plan to save her family and brother.
The Diamond Heist—Who's really in control?
The Crystal Week diamond heist is the film's highlight. Elyas thinks he's in command, but Soelie has other plans. She allies with mechanic Theo to sabotage the gang leader and turn the tables. By now, Michael's sister gets more moments under the spotlight than him.
In the final chase, the police catch Elyas—thanks to evidence strategically placed by Soelie. But she doesn't stop there: instead of returning the diamonds, she uses them to pay off the family's debts and save Circuit Carella. In the end, Elyas deceives the police to get their case solved, and the Carellas emerge as winners.
The game seemed to be in Elyas's hands, but Soelie proved she was the real strategist. During the final chase, while the gang leader tries to escape at any cost, she uses the track as if it were an extension of herself, guiding Elyas straight to what he fears most—being caught.
When the police finally handcuff him, it's a double win for Soelie—the real protagonist here, not her brother. She won the race and beat the system itself. She looks at the chaos she left behind with a firm decision—the Carellas won't lose anymore. Not the circuit, not the house, not the legacy. With the diamonds in hand, she ensures the family has the last word.
A future away from danger
While Michael played a secondary role during the final heist, he was present to support his sister while she took command. As for her decision to keep the diamonds, the film doesn't directly detail Michael's reaction. The focus, however, is on the siblings' unity and the fresh start this provides for him, finally relieved of the burden of losing the family legacy.
One year later in the story of GTMax, we see Michael and Soelie competing together on the circuit, which is more alive than ever. Their father finally recognizes his children's efforts, while Lieutenant Lucas Delvo, though suspicious, watches everything as a silent observer.
With engines ready to roar again, Circuit Carella isn't the only thing that's changed. Michael finally seems more confident, free from the weight he always carried, while Soelie is the beating heart of this new chapter.
The track, which was almost lost, now pulses with life and purpose. And their father? Well, even he seems less grumpy, letting slip an almost shy pride. Clearly, this race isn't about speed, but about new beginnings—for all of them.
What GTMax does differently
Motocross as a central element puts GTMax on a different track within the genre. Different vehicles, but still full of chases. Here, the bikes bring explosive energy, full of twists and jumps, which keep the tension levels always high. The action scenes were filmed with drones, and we feel as though we are riding along with the characters. It's a raw feel, where every movement seems increasingly risky and urgent.
Crossing the finish line
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In the end, GTMax delivers a story about family, downfall, and redemption. The heart of the film lies in the bonds that unite Michael and Soelie—and in her courage to turn the game against danger.
GTMax is now streaming on Netflix.
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