Netflix's latest action-drama offering, 'Elite Force,' centers on the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), France's elite tactical unit. The series, created by Julien Leclercq and Sylvain Caron, delivers well-choreographed and tense action sequences, particularly during bomb defusions and tactical interceptions, but the narrative struggles with one-dimensional characters.
The series opens with David Caron, a top GIGN officer played by Tomer Sisley, overseeing a rigorous training program for new recruits. Among them is his godson, Max, the son of a close friend and GIGN colleague who died in an explosion 15 years prior. This past trauma looms over David as he navigates his duties and personal life.
The Stakes Rise
During a training exercise, the GIGN force is mobilized to intercept stolen experimental explosives. The mission becomes complicated when the stolen material is revealed to be more potent than initially assessed, with soldiers killed and kidnapped during the theft. David faces a critical decision, needing to disable a van carrying the explosive before it reaches a nearby town, all while a school bus passes. The operation is partially successful, securing only half of the stolen cargo and raising further questions about the full extent of the threat.
David, contemplating retirement to spend more time with his wife, Jessica (Judith El Zein), and teenage daughter, finds his plans complicated by his mentor, Christophe (Thierry Neuvic), who is terminally ill. Despite Christophe's encouragement to leave GIGN and enjoy his remaining time, David feels compelled to stay. This decision is further influenced by Max's success in the demanding GIGN training, including a difficult bomb-defusal task. David had promised Max's mother he would prevent Max from joining GIGN, a promise now in jeopardy, leading to tension between David and Max's mother.
Character Conflict
Sisley's portrayal of David captures a sense of internal conflict regarding his commitment to GIGN and his role in past events. However, the series' writing leaves little doubt about David's ultimate decision to remain with the force, overshadowing his family life. The supporting characters, from recruits to senior officers, are largely depicted as generic paramilitary figures, lacking significant personality beyond their battlefield skills. Max, too, is primarily defined by his determination and talent.
The series draws comparisons to other Netflix action dramas like 'Man On Fire' and 'The Night Agent.' While 'Elite Force' succeeds in its action set pieces, offering viewers an adrenaline-fueled experience, it falls short in developing nuanced characters or exploring emotional depth beyond surface-level portrayals of doubt and conflict.
The first episode concludes with an explosion at the training facility, placing David, Christophe, and Max in close proximity to the blast, setting the stage for future challenges.