Franck Lazareff, portrayed by Guillaume Canet, finds himself entangled in a web of danger and deception, facing relentless harassment from unknown assailants. Employed at a building inspections firm, Franck is responsible for assessing the structural integrity of old buildings, a job that seems far removed from the turmoil he is about to endure. The situation escalates when his wife, Leo, played by Stéphane Caillard, becomes increasingly concerned after their apartment is ransacked not once, but twice in quick succession.
The turning point comes when Franck's safety line unexpectedly gives out while he is working, causing him to plummet hundreds of feet. As the couple grapple with the harrowing reality of their lives being endangered, Leo is left incredulous, questioning Franck's choices that could jeopardize their future, especially with a baby on the way. Their apartment becomes the target of armed men, who demand a mysterious item that Franck seems to be hiding. Despite their threats, Franck remains resolute, refusing to comply with their demands, leading to an agonizing moment when Leo is kidnapped, and Franck realizes the lengths he must go to in order to rescue her.
Unbeknownst to many, Franck is not an ordinary citizen; he is a former member of the GIGN, France's elite police tactical unit. It was during his tenure there that he met Leo, forging a profound bond over their shared aspirations. Franck's decision to join GIGN was influenced heavily by the loss of his father, an officer who perished in the line of duty. Franck reveres his father’s memory, carrying his badge inscribed with the words “Ad Vitam,” meaning "For Life," a constant reminder of his commitment to protect those he loves.
As the narrative weaves through their lives, we also meet Nico, played by Alexis Manenti, Franck’s close friend and teammate, alongside his wife Manon, portrayed by Zita Hanrot. Their support for Franck and Leo is unwavering, yet they urge the couple to consider starting a family, a notion that Franck struggles with due to his fears of loss stemming from his own childhood experiences.
The plot thickens several years later when Franck, Nico, and their junior colleague Ben, played by Nassim Lyes, undertake a perilous operation. On the night Franck receives the life-altering news of Leo’s pregnancy, he finds himself embroiled in a chaotic encounter at a hotel where things go tragically wrong. Despite the team’s collective decisions, Franck is haunted by guilt when Nico is fatally injured during the operation, leading to Franck’s subsequent discharge from GIGN.
As the stakes rise and Leo decides to leave the team as well, Franck uncovers unsettling truths about the men involved in the hotel incident, indicating they might be connected to something much larger and more sinister than mere petty crimes. Despite warnings from Ben to leave the matter alone, Franck’s instinct for justice compels him to seek out a journalist, only to find himself manipulated by the very system he sought to expose.
As events rapidly spiral out of control, Franck faces an ultimatum from the antagonist, Vanaken, played by Johan Heldenbergh, who demands the return of Franck's father's badge in exchange for Leo’s safe return. With time running out, Franck enlists Ben's help and concocts a daring plan. However, his confrontation with Vanaken turns into a life-or-death struggle, filled with tension and unexpected twists, leading to a dramatic chase that intertwines courage and desperation.
The climax sees Franck battling not only the armed men but also the authorities who believe him to be a criminal. In a harrowing series of events, injuries occur, but Franck's fierce determination to protect Leo leads to a showdown that tests every fiber of his being. After being arrested, Franck faces a future of uncertainty, yet Leo’s resilience shines through as she unearths crucial evidence that could turn the tide in Franck’s favor.
In the end, justice prevails, leading to the revelation of deep-seated government corruption while Franck and Leo emerge stronger, ready to embrace the joys and responsibilities of parenthood. With Ben recovering from his injuries and supporting them, Franck finally holds their baby girl, a symbol of hope and new beginnings, embodying the strength that they have found together amidst the chaos of their trials.
