The Last Mercenary 2021
Directed by
David Charhon
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Richard Brumére is a covert agent working for the government, and his life takes a dramatic turn during one of his operations when he inadvertently gets his friend Jouard’s ex-wife pregnant. This leads to the birth of a son, Archibald al Mahmoud. In a twist of fate, his wife demands that her child receive two vital things: government-provided financial support and a caretaker. Consequently, an agent named Fernand is assigned to look after Archibald, and over the years, the boy grows up believing that Fernand is his actual father, never having met Richard.
Unbeknownst to Archibald, trouble brews when Ministre Sivardière uncovers a fraudulent employee facilitating payments to Archibald. The situation escalates as Archibald becomes entangled in serious allegations, classified as a terrorist involved in arms and drug trafficking. With the government’s withdrawal of funds, Archibald loses his immunity, prompting agents to hunt him down.
As agents storm his home, tragedy strikes: Fernand suffers a heart attack caused by the Big Mac, a nefarious device that disrupts his pacemaker. In the chaos, Archibald tries to escape but ends up in custody, where he is interrogated—unfortunately, he passes out during the questioning. Learning of his son’s predicament, Richard springs into action to rescue him, adopting the alias George to shield his identity.
During a gruesome fight with law enforcement officers, Richard successfully liberates Archibald but hides the truth of their relationship. Their getaway includes abducting the willing Sivardière, who becomes entangled in their escape, which ultimately leads to a painful revelation for Archibald. Feeling betrayed, he grapples with the truth of his father’s actions.
As Richard recalls the precious moments with his late wife, twirling her pendant, the narrative takes an emotional turn. Archibald suddenly recognizes the man who comforted him during the funeral, realizing that he was never left behind. With the recovery of the Big Mac device, Jouard ultimately decides that Richard must still face the consequences of his earlier operation, Cup-and-Ball. In a final act to aid his escape, Richard activates the Big Mac, plunging the entire building into darkness, vowing to always be there for his son, despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding their lives.
Timeline
Richard's Secret Operation
Richard Brumére, a covert agent, embarks on a secret mission for the government. His actions unexpectedly lead to an unplanned pregnancy for his friend Jouard's ex-wife, changing the course of his life dramatically.
Birth of Archibald
As a result of the unexpected pregnancy, Archibald al Mahmoud is born. This event is pivotal as it sets into motion a series of events that will entangle Richard and his family in a web of deception and danger.
Government Support Arranged
Richard's wife insists on ensuring Archibald receives government assistance, which includes a caretaker. This leads to the assignment of agent Fernand, who is tasked with looking after Archibald, creating a false sense of family for the boy.
Archibald Grows Up
Growing up under the care of Fernand, Archibald believes Fernand is his father. He remains unaware of the truth about his parentage and the covert operations that led to his existence.
Uncovering Fraud
Ministre Sivardière discovers a fraudulent employee who has been facilitating payments to Archibald. This revelation brings danger as Archibald becomes implicated in illegal activities.
Accusations Against Archibald
Archibald is wrongfully classified as a terrorist involved in arms and drug trafficking. This accusation escalates the government’s scrutiny of him and leads to the withdrawal of his financial support.
Agents on the Hunt
After losing his government immunity due to the financial withdrawal, Archibald finds himself being hunted by agents. This situation heightens the tension as he tries to evade capture.
Tragic Heart Attack
As agents storm Archibald's home, disaster strikes when Fernand suffers a heart attack due to the effects of a device called the Big Mac. This pivotal moment adds chaos to an already dangerous situation.
Archibald's Custody
In the midst of the chaos, Archibald is captured and taken into custody. While being interrogated, he collapses, unaware of his father's efforts to help him during this perilous time.
Richard's Rescue Mission
Learning about Archibald's dire situation, Richard adopts the alias George and begins a rescue mission. This moment marks the beginning of his dangerous confrontation with law enforcement.
Father and Son Reunion
During a gripping fight against law enforcement, Richard manages to liberate Archibald. However, he keeps his true identity hidden from Archibald, complicating their escape.
Abduction of Ministre Sivardière
In a surprising twist, Richard and Archibald abduct the willing Ministre Sivardière during their escape. This act leads to unforeseen complications and deepens the intrigue surrounding their situation.
Emotional Revelation
As they navigate their escape, Archibald experiences a painful revelation about his father's identity and actions. His feelings of betrayal lead to complex emotions about trust and family.
Richard's Reflections
While in hiding, Richard reflects on his cherished memories with his late wife, reminiscing by twirling her pendant. This moment is a poignant reminder of the past and the love that fueled his choices.
Final Act of Defiance
In a desperate bid for escape, Richard activates the Big Mac device, throwing the entire building into darkness. This decision encapsulates his commitment to protect Archibald and face the consequences of his past.
Characters
Richard Brumére (Jean-Claude Van Damme)
Richard Brumére is a resilient covert agent who grapples with the consequences of his past decisions, especially regarding his son Archibald. His protective nature drives him to take drastic actions to ensure Archibald's safety, showcasing his dedication even amidst personal turmoil. Richard’s character embodies the struggle between duty and family bonds.
Archibald al Mahmoud
Archibald is a young man caught in a web of false identity, believing his caretaker Fernand is his father. His journey of self-discovery is riddled with turbulence as he faces allegations and struggles with betrayal. Archibald’s character arc explores the deep emotional landscape of learning the truth about one’s lineage.
Fernand
Fernand is Archibald's caretaker and an unwitting father figure who provides support amid rising tensions. His sudden heart attack during the agents' attack adds an emotional layer to the narrative, marking the fragility of life and the unforeseen consequences of past choices.
Ministre Sivardière (Valérie Kaprisky)
Ministre Sivardière is entangled in the political machinations surrounding Archibald's case. Initially a symbol of authority, her involvement in Richard and Archibald's escape adds complexity to her character as she navigates her loyalties amidst the unfolding chaos.
Setting
Time period
While the movie does not specify an exact time period, it hints at contemporary issues such as government operations and modern crime. The themes of identity and family dynamics suggest a current setting that resonates with today's societal concerns.
Location
Government Agency, Archibald's Home
The movie takes place in various settings including a government agency, where covert operations and bureaucratic decisions unfold. Archibald's home serves as a significant backdrop where pivotal events occur, particularly during the attack by agents and the subsequent chaos that leads to crucial character revelations.
Themes
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Fatherhood
The theme of fatherhood is central to the film, explored through Richard's complicated relationship with his son Archibald. Despite being absent for much of Archibald's life, Richard's actions reveal his deep-seated commitment to protect and support him. This theme illustrates the challenges and emotional turbulence that come with familial bonds.
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Identity
Identity plays a crucial role as Archibald grows up unaware of his true parentage. The narrative explores moments of self-discovery and the impact of hidden truths. Richard's dual identity as both a father and a spy highlights the struggles individuals face between personal lives and societal roles.
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Justice
The quest for justice unfolds as Archibald is wrongly accused of serious crimes. The film critiques the justice system and raises questions about guilt and innocence, showcasing how easily one can fall victim to bureaucratic failures and manipulation.
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