The acclaimed French action thriller movie series, Lost Bullet, has released its third and supposedly final entry, Last Bullet, which lives up to the standard of entertaining action spectacle set by its predecessors. While the ingenuity in hard-hitting combat choreography, practical stunts, and streamlined, fast-paced storytelling have been key highlights of the franchise, characterization plays a key role in holding it all together. There is no crazy complexity involved in the character arcs; the intrigue arises from the personalities and decision-making capabilities of the key players, all of whom belong to either side of the law. Most importantly, the trilogy charts the growth of the characters so well that the conclusion of the journey feels satisfying.
Lino, played by Alban Lenoir
French Actor/Stuntman Alban Lenoir started his career as a theater actor before veering to work in several acclaimed action movies like Taken, AKA, and Point Blank to follow his younger days’ passion to become an action star, which was ignited by watching Bloodsport. More recently, Lenoir has acted in drama movies like French Blood. His international claim to fame, however, came with the Lost Bullet series, where he portrays the character of Lino—a skilled mechanic, an ex-con with a short fuse, and a rigid moral compass. Lino is fiercely protective and loyal towards the people close to him, and is prone to impulsive, violent outbursts—probably owing to a rough early life. However, over the course of three movies, Lino’s perspective and worldview undergo a transformation. In the first entry, his short temper and brash and aggressive demeanor actually help him to make a stand against corrupt cops as he tries to seek justice for his friend, Charas. In the second entry, as a feeling of betrayal clouds his judgment, his anger and frustration almost take a self-destructive course and ruin the opportunity Lino had of starting a new life with Stella. In the final entry, Last Bullet, Lino still has his rash temperament guiding him, but on this occasion he is much more composed and in control of his actions. While delivering a memorable performance as Lino, Alban fully embraced the physicality of the character, which acts as an extension of his hot-headed, daring demeanor. Despite being an everyman protagonist archetype, Lino’s uncompromising zeal for justice makes him quite exceptional. From mechanic to crook and then to a rogue cop, Lino’s journey has been memorable so far, and surely fans will wish to see a continuation in the future.
Julia, played by Stefi Celma
French actor/singer Stefi Celma has been in several musicals at a young age and has since acted in movies like Serial Teachers, The Squad, and In Safe Hands, and comedy series like Call My Agent, to name a few. In the Lost Bullet movie series, she portrayed the role of Julia, a member of the Anti-Go Fast squad of French police, the only straight arrow cop in the unit other than Lino. In a workspace filled with corrupt law enforcement officers, Julia’s moral code is strong enough for her to never give in to greed or fear. Time and again, Julie proves herself to be a capable officer who tries to maintain a balance between her personal ethics and professional responsibilities. In doing so, she starts realizing how impossible it is to rely on a system that by default serves the ones in power. Julia and Lino’s journey is far from over, so there is a chance that the success of Last Bullet prompts the makers to prepare for a spin-off or another sequel.
Areski, played by Nicholas Duvauchelle
Fans of body horror and home invasion movies will recognize French actor Nicholas Duvauchelle for his roles in Inside and Trouble Every Day. Aside from that, Duvauchelle has gained acclaim through his performances in movies like Lightweight and crime drama series, Braquo. In the Lost Bullet movie series, he played the role of Areski, a corrupt cop who doesn’t hesitate to turn against his colleagues or his family if it means saving his own skin. Duvauchelle perfectly captured some of the crucial nuances of Areski’s character in the first and third movies of the series, humanizing the character in the process by showing his desperation to reconnect with his family.
Miscellaneous Characters
Aside from the lead crew, the supporting cast of the Lost Bullet movie series are exceptional in their respective roles. Alexander Resz’s right-hand man, Yuri, played by martial artist/actor Quentin d’Hainaut, leaves a mark with his steely, menacing demeanor and almost Terminator-like drive. Sebastien Lalanne did well as Marco, another corrupt cop and associate of Areski. Pascale Arbillot delivered a decent performance as Moss, chief of the Anti-Go Fast squad, who ultimately gives in to her greed. Ramzy Bedia stole scenes as Charas in the first movie and, since then, has appeared in flashback sequences in the sequels. Lastly, this discussion will not be completed without praising the phenomenal performance by the stunt performers and the team behind practical effects and car rig design. Their combined efforts elevated the movie to a whole other level altogether.
