Ares (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Jean-Patrick Benes (director) |
Area served | France |
| Products | Dystopian science fiction movie |
Ares () is a dystopian science fiction movie from France, released in 2016 and directed by Jean-Patrick Benes. Featuring Ola Rapace in the lead role, the story centers on a boxer compelled to test a hazardous new performance-enhancing drug developed by corporations dominating France. The film debuted at Paris Comic-con on October 21 and became available to French audiences on November 11, 2016.
Plot
Set during the 2020s, France experiences an economic downfall that results in corporations acquiring its debt and seizing governmental control, leading to the legalization of doping and human experimentation. With unemployment surpassing 15%, violent new sports emerge, backed by pharmaceutical companies using athletes as test subjects for experimental drugs. The boxer Reda, who competes under the name Ares, loses his sponsorship following an injury and takes part in brutal cage fights while also working corporate security during widespread civil unrest.
After Reda’s sister Carla is falsely accused of terrorism, he faces the challenge of gathering €100,000 to bribe officials for her release. To achieve this, he consents to trial HSX, a deadly drug. Despite the dangers, Reda’s unique biochemistry improves his chances of survival. He entrusts Carla’s children to Myosotis, a neighbor who is a cross-dressing prostitute and initially hesitant to assist. Reda persuades Myosotis to wager their savings on his upcoming fight.
The company CEO arranges a high-risk bout against an opponent immune to pain to boost HSX sales. Defying 12:1 odds, Reda emerges victorious after using the drug, securing the money needed for Carla’s freedom through Myosotis. Tragically, she dies in prison while attempting to aid another inmate. Altman offers to return the funds, but Reda requests her help in uncovering who framed Carla. The hacker Boris discovers evidence pointing to Reda’s coach.
In his subsequent fight, Reda intentionally loses without taking HSX, causing both the drug’s market and his coach’s financial standing to collapse. Secretly administering HSX to his coach leads to the latter’s swift death. Anna commands Altman to abduct Carla’s children; however, Altman prioritizes money over loyalty to Reda. Sensing Altman’s true motives, Myosotis and Boris rescue the children and kill Altman.
Reda faces Anna’s genetically modified bodyguards during a corporate board demonstration. Although they are forbidden from killing him alive due to plans for further drug experiments, he defeats them. As HSX’s effects near expiration, Reda assists Boris in hacking into the corporation’s mainframe, exposing over 30,000 deaths resulting from HSX trials. To safeguard his nieces and reveal corporate malfeasance, Reda ends his own life, terminating HSX’s future prospects.
Boris broadcasts proof of the failed drug trials alongside news of Reda’s death through commandeered media channels. This triggers widespread riots and fuels a movement opposing corporate dominance in France.
Themes
Ares uses themes of national debt tied to government bonds and issues surrounding corporate governance versus public administration as its foundation. It incorporates references to the Gilet Jaune movement, including scenes portraying Parisian riots linked to elevated unemployment rates in France. The film also offers criticism of Big Pharma and the consumer-targeted pharmaceutical marketing propelled by corporate-controlled media.
Cast
- Ola Rapace as Reda
- Micha Lescot as Myosotis
- Thierry Hancisse as Reda's coach
- Hélène Fillières as Altman
- Ruth Vega Fernandez as Anna
- Eva Lallier as Anouk
- Elina Soloman as Mae
- Yvon Martin as Tyro
- Pierre Perrier as Boris
- Émilie Gavois-Kahn as Carla
- Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as PDG Donevia
- Alexis Michalik as National Defense Framework
Release
Ares made its debut at the Paris Comic-con on 21 October 2016, followed by its official release in France on 11 November 2016.
Reception
On the French review platform AlloCiné, Ares has an average score of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on evaluations from 14 professional critics. Jordan Mintzer from The Hollywood Reporter characterized the film as one that, in its strongest moments, captures a neo-urban vibe reminiscent of Blade Runner, though overall it appears to blend elements similar to those found in Bloodsport and Babylon A.D..