Restless (Sans répit) is a French crime thriller directed by Régis Blondeau, co-written with Julien Colombani. This 96-minute film, released on Netflix in February 2022, is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film A Hard Day.
The story follows Lieutenant Thomas Blin (Franck Gastambide), a corrupt cop already under investigation in Le Havre. Late at night, after his mother’s funeral, he accidentally hits a pedestrian. In a panic, he hides the body in his car’s trunk—setting off a tense cat-and-mouse game as he struggles with his own guilt, corrupt colleagues, and an escalating series of threats.
Review & Critical Reception of Restless
Ratings:
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Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 20%
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Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 38%
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IMDb Rating: 5.8/10 (based on over 5,000 votes)
Critical Highlights:
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Described as “wild, unbelievable, and a crazy watch,” but some critics noted the lack of sympathy for the protagonist.
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Called a “decent, easy watch” by others, though predictable and emotionally hollow.
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Praised for maintaining tension despite tonal and pacing issues.
Viewer Feedback:
Some enjoyed its tight pacing and action, while others criticized it for lacking originality and emotional depth compared to the Korean original.
Cast & Production Details of Restless
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Franck Gastambide as Lieutenant Thomas Blin
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Simon Abkarian
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Michaël Abiteboul
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Jemima West
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Tracy Gotoas
Runtime: 96 minutes
Language: French
Production Companies: Bright Lights Films, Mahi Films, Umedia
Awards & Popularity
The film did not receive major awards but gained moderate popularity through Netflix streaming. It appealed to fans of action-thrillers looking for a straightforward, fast-paced crime story, even if it did not break new ground.
Summary & Takeaways
Restless (2022) delivers:
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A tense crime thriller with a morally compromised protagonist.
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Strong performances and atmospheric direction.
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Predictable plot and limited emotional engagement.
A solid choice for viewers wanting a quick, bingeable thriller, especially for fans of French crime cinema.
