Movie Review: Last Bullet (2025) Directed by: Guillaume Pierret

Starring: Alban Lenoir, Stéfi Celma, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Anne Serra

Streaming on: Netflix

The high-octane French action thriller Last Bullet (2025) roars into its final chapter, bringing a thunderous close to the Lost Bullet trilogy. Directed once again by Guillaume Pierret, the film picks up with the gritty, gear-loving Lino, played with steely resolve by Alban Lenoir, as he barrels headlong into justice, vengeance, and closure.

🔫 Plot Overview

The story resumes shortly after the events of Lost Bullet 2, with Lino grappling with the violent death of his mentor and close ally, Charas. Accompanied by fellow law enforcer and confidante Julia (Stéfi Celma), Lino embarks on a brutal mission to expose corruption within the police force and dismantle a drug trafficking network. The stakes are higher than ever — not only is Lino seeking retribution, but he is also fighting to reclaim a sliver of morality in a system crumbling from within.

As the duo digs deeper, the line between right and wrong blurs. Their investigation leads to a thrilling showdown that is emblematic of the franchise’s signature style — high-speed chases, brutal combat, and the roaring engine of a modified tow truck racing against a helicopter in one of the film’s most jaw-dropping set pieces. The final confrontation encapsulates the themes of the trilogy: loyalty, sacrifice, and unrelenting justice.

🎬 Action and Stunt Work

Last Bullet is unapologetically action-packed, doubling down on the physical stunts and practical effects that have defined the trilogy’s visceral appeal. Unlike many modern action films that lean heavily on CGI, this installment stays true to its roots, offering real, tangible mayhem.

Several standout scenes are worth highlighting. A white-knuckle motorcycle pursuit through narrow alleyways and a brutal fight on a moving bus underscore the film’s gritty aesthetic. The climactic battle — a Mad Max-style vehicular clash between Lino’s custom tow truck and a police helicopter — is both absurdly entertaining and technically impressive.

While the action is intense and choreographed with precision, some critics have pointed out that it lacks the innovation that made the first film feel so fresh. The formula — Lino versus a corrupt institution with a souped-up vehicle and iron will — remains largely unchanged. Still, the familiarity will likely be a welcome comfort for fans of the series.

🎭 Performances

Alban Lenoir delivers yet another solid performance as Lino. His portrayal combines stoicism with an undercurrent of pain and desperation, making him a compelling action hero with depth. Lenoir’s physicality is matched by his emotional nuance, particularly in moments of vulnerability that contrast starkly with the chaos around him.

Nicolas Duvauchelle returns as Areski, the morally ambiguous antagonist whose complex relationship with Lino continues to add tension to the story. Their dynamic remains one of the trilogy's strongest elements, serving as a mirror of what Lino might have become if he had taken a different path.

Stéfi Celma is particularly strong as Julia, bringing emotional weight and moral clarity to a world drowning in ambiguity. Her presence is grounding, offering viewers a character who feels both relatable and admirable. Anne Serra and the supporting cast also pull their weight, enriching the narrative without overshadowing the leads.

📈 Critical Reception

Last Bullet has garnered generally favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. RogerEbert.com gave the film a 3 out of 4, citing its “thrilling set pieces and character-driven story” as highlights. The review praised the film's ability to balance action with emotional depth, calling it a worthy conclusion to the franchise.

Moneycontrol rated it 4 out of 5, lauding its "high-octane energy" and “emotional payoff,” especially for viewers who have followed Lino’s journey from the beginning. The review emphasized the film’s commitment to practical effects and grounded storytelling.

However, not all feedback was glowing. Some critics noted that the plot felt predictable and formulaic at times. The character arcs, while satisfying, tread familiar ground, and the narrative doesn’t take many risks. For some, this might lessen the film’s impact; for others, it will feel like a satisfying payoff to a well-established saga.

✅ Final Verdict

Last Bullet successfully wraps up one of the most underrated action trilogies in recent memory. It doesn't revolutionize the genre, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it leans into what has always made the Lost Bullet series special: breakneck action, heartfelt performances, and a gritty, no-frills approach to storytelling.

For those who have followed Lino’s journey from the beginning, this final ride will be an emotional, adrenaline-fueled farewell. And for newcomers, Last Bullet offers enough standalone thrills to warrant a watch — though viewing the earlier films first will certainly enhance the experience.

Whether you're in it for the roaring engines, the tightly choreographed fight scenes, or the surprisingly poignant character moments, Last Bullet delivers a satisfying, high-octane conclusion.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)