Directed by Fred Cavayé and released in theaters in 2010, Point Blank has established itself as a benchmark in contemporary French thriller cinema, relying on a sense of urgency, high-octane action, and a tightly woven narrative. Featuring performances by Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, and Gérard Lanvin, the film will be available on HBO Max starting from January 9, 2026.
Samuel and Nadia are an average couple, eagerly preparing for the arrival of their first child. That normalcy shatters when Nadia is kidnapped right before Samuel’s eyes. Suddenly, he’s faced with a deadly ultimatum: he has just three hours to break an inmate out of a guarded hospital — a notorious crime boss on the police’s most-wanted list. Caught in a dangerous maze beyond his control, Samuel finds himself with no choice but to follow orders.
The story unfolds as a nearly nonstop race against the clock, where every choice has immediate repercussions. Facing the brutality of the criminal underworld, the relentless pressure from law enforcement, and the urgent need to save his pregnant wife, Samuel finds himself at the heart of a narrative driven by constant tension and a gradual sense of losing control.
With this film, Fred Cavayé continues to explore themes introduced in Pour elle, intensifying the pacing and trimming down the dialogue even further. Co-written with Guillaume Lemans, the screenplay focuses on action and real-time storytelling, limiting exposition to the essentials in order to immerse viewers in the journey of an ordinary man caught in an intense situation.
The direction embraces the conventions of urban policing thrillers: iconic Parisian settings, energetic camera work, and intense chase scenes, especially through the metro and train stations. Gilles Lellouche delivers a portrayal of a physically vulnerable anti-hero, while Roschdy Zem portrays a mute, unpredictable criminal, and Gérard Lanvin embodies a questionable authority figure with ambiguous motives.
The film also stands out for its soundtrack by Klaus Badelt, which intensifies the adrenaline rush without overshadowing the story. Its restrained style enhances the overall storytelling, often praised as a prime example of modern French thrillers—intense, focused, and free of unnecessary detours.
Showcased at numerous international film festivals and often likened to movies such as The Collector or Tell No One, À bout portant has also inspired several foreign remakes. Yet, the original French version continues to be celebrated for its gritty realism and unwavering tension, built upon a straightforward yet meticulously crafted structure.
À bout portant
Movie | 2010
Release date in theaters: December 1, 2010
Available on HBO Max from January 9, 2026
Action | Duration: 1h 25min
Directed by Fred Cavayé | Starring Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem, Gérard Lanvin
Original title: À bout portant
Country: France
Built around an intense countdown, À bout portant offers a compact action thriller focused on survival, sacrifice, and the rush of the moment. It’s now available for streaming on HBO Max.
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