Last Bullet Review: The final chapter in this French action trilogy wraps up the best action film series you’ve never watched

Last Bullet review

‘Last Bullet’ neatly wraps up the French ‘Bullet’ trilogy with the kind of high-octane action and intensity fans have come to expect—only this time, everything feels a little bigger, slicker, and more emotionally charged.

Like ‘Lost Bullet’ and ‘Lost Bullet 2,’ this one wastes no time getting into gear, delivering pulse-pounding car chases, gritty hand-to-hand combat, and a storyline that moves at breakneck speed. What really stands out is how confidently it matches the scale and spectacle of any big-budget Hollywood action film, but without losing its raw, European edge.

And more importantly, it manages to bring the story full circle, giving closure to Lino’s long, chaotic journey with the long-awaited arrest of Areski—the corrupt cop.

Areski Resurfaces

The film opens far from France, with fugitive ex-cop Areski (Nicolas Duvauchelle) now working in a German timber factory, secretly running drugs and weapons for his German boss. But things don’t stay quiet for long—Alexander Resz (Gerard Lanvin) sees him as a loose end and orders a hit. Areski narrowly escapes and goes looking for his estranged wife, Stella (Anne Serra), and young son, Thomas.

Back in France, Lino (Alban Lenoir) is handed over to the authorities after a tense prisoner exchange involving corrupt cop Alvaro and the Spanish police. Once back, Julia (Stefi Celma) offers him a place to stay and a role under Sarah’s supervision. But when Lino finds out Areski is alive and back in circulation, everything changes. The grief, the rage—it all comes flooding back. And just like that, the chase begins again.

Twists till the end

One of the most impressive things about ‘Last Bullet’ is that even though it’s the final film, it doesn’t feel like it’s just tying up loose ends. There are still surprises tucked in, characters who shift, and revelations that land at just the right moment. The film does a great job of keeping you on edge while also shedding light on the deep-rooted corruption within the police force.

It doesn’t hold back in showing how systems can fail—and sometimes protect—the very people they're meant to keep in check. That’s been a running theme throughout the trilogy, and the final chapter really leans into it.

Action that hits hard

But let’s be honest—this trilogy has always been about the action. And here, the filmmaker pulls out all the stops. There’s a ten-minute mid-film sequence involving a chase and fight between Lino, Areski, Julia, and Yuri, and it’s nothing short of stunning. It’s fast, brutal, and so tightly choreographed that you can’t take your eyes off it.

Then, just when you think it can’t go any bigger, the climax throws in a custom-built truck (courtesy of Lino’s brilliant mind) and a helicopter. It’s wild—but what makes it even better is how grounded it all feels. There’s barely any obvious CGI, and that makes a huge difference. Everything looks real, messy, and dangerous—in the best way possible.

Sharp direction

Director Guillaume Pierret deserves serious credit here. Pulling off one solid action film is hard enough, but delivering three in a row that feel cohesive, exciting, and emotionally satisfying? That’s rare. He’s built a world that’s gritty, believable, and fast-paced—and he clearly knows how to craft set pieces that stay with you long after the credits roll.

The performances only add to the impact. Alban Lenoir, as Lino, brings such intensity to the role. You feel every punch he throws, every loss he’s suffered, and every ounce of rage he carries. He’s not a typical action hero—he’s rough around the edges, unpredictable, and human. Nicolas Duvauchelle, playing Areski, also brings a layered performance.

He’s slimy and manipulative. And Stefi Celma continues to shine as Julia—tough, smart, and never sidelined.

An underrated gem

In the end, the ‘Bullet’ trilogy is one of those rare action series that knows exactly what it’s doing—and delivers. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s fast, focused, and genuinely thrilling. The only real pity is that it didn’t get the kind of spotlight it deserves. All three films dropped quietly on Netflix, without much buzz, and that’s a shame.

Because what we’ve got here is a proper action saga—one that’s as entertaining as it is intense. If you’re into chase films, raw fight scenes, and stories about revenge with a bit of heart, this one’s absolutely worth a watch.

Cast: Alban Lenoir, Stefi Celma, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Gerard Lanvin, and Quentin D’Hainaut

Director: Guillaume Pierret

Rating: 4/5

(‘Last Bullet’ is streaming on Netflix)