What does Ad Vitam mean? Film's title, explained

The recent Netflix French film Ad Vitam (2025) has sparked intrigue in the audience's mind to unravel the meaning of the film's title. This enigmatic title of the Latin language has a deeper meaning in connection with the film and the protagonist Franck's storyline. Ad Vitam, however, is a Latin term for "for life."

Directed by Rodolphe Lauga, the action thriller Ad Vitam was released worldwide on January 10, 2025, streaming on Netflix. Ad Vitam stars Guillaume Canet in its lead role, along with Stéphane Caillard.

Meaning of the film title Ad Vitam, explained

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Ad Vitam, as revealed, stands for "for life" in Latin. How it is related to the plotline of the story is even more intriguing.

The story of Ad Vitam revolves around Franck Lazareff, who had previously served as an elite GIGN officer, who gets embroiled in chaos due to corruption by government officials.

The full form of GIGN is the Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale, an elite police unit that has existed since 1974. This squad is instrumental in dealing with critical operations such as counterterrorism, hostage situations, safeguarding government officials, etc.

In Ad Vitam, Franck's pregnant wife, Leo, gets kidnapped, and the story follows the entire turn of events post that. Franck also gets forced to face his past, including the loss of a fellow agent, Nico, his partner, who passed away in the hands of criminals during a mission that was led by Franck and how GIGN does not cooperate or support him in this injustice caused to Nico.

The phrase "Ad Vitam" is embedded on a badge Franck carries with him throughout the film, as this badge was passed on to him by his deceased father, who had also served in the GIGN. Not only does the badge represent the protagonist's objective and motive in life, but it also serves a metaphorical meaning in the story.

The story follows how Franck fights through the complicated web of power, corruption, and injustice whilst striving to protect his family. The core value that drives Franck in his pursuits is "life," as engraved on his badge "Ad Vitam," serving as a manifestation of Franck's leitmotif. It is "for life" of his wife, the life of his unborn daughter, and the lost life of his partner Nico that centers the motive of Franck throughout.

Apart from its metaphorical aspect, the badge is an important prop in the story that also acts as a catalyst that ultimately uncovers the truth about the perpetrators behind the death of Nico, as some dried blood remains on the badge from that fateful, unfortunate event acts as a piece of evidence. The badge holds not just the protagonist's father's memory and values but also serves as a material of force and his inner core purpose.

More about the Netflix French film Ad Vitam

Ad Vitam is directed by Rodolphe Lauga, who has previously directed Relationship Status: It's Complicated (2014) and La Source (2019), comes with this French action thriller this time. Starring Guillaume Canet in the role of the protagonist Franck, he has also paired up with Rodolphe Lauga and David Corona as a writer, and Canet has been one of the film producers as well. Ad Vitam is currently on Netflix.

The cast of Ad Vitam includes: