Movie of the Day: In the name of blood (2024) by Akaki Popkhadze
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 23
- 8 min read
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/brule-le-sang
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14907564/
"In the Name of Blood (2024)" by Akaki Popkhadze: A Gritty Exploration of Vengeance and Family in the Nicene Underworld
"In the Name of Blood" (original title "Brûle le Sang"), a 2024 crime thriller directed and co-written by Akaki Popkhadze, plunges into the hidden criminal depths of Nice, France, to tell a tense story of two estranged Georgian brothers driven by revenge and grappling with their fractured family ties. Marking Popkhadze's debut feature, the film weaves together themes of faith, loyalty, and the destructive consequences of violence against a backdrop that strips away the city's usual glamorous facade.
Detailed Summary
Set in the less-seen working-class neighborhoods of Nice, the film is ignited by the brutal murder of a respected figure in the local Georgian community, mistakenly targeted in place of a powerful Russian oligarch. This act of violence forces the reunion of the victim's two sons, who have taken vastly different paths in life. Tristan (Florent Hill) is the younger son, on the verge of becoming an Orthodox priest and seeking spiritual peace. Gabriel (Nicolas Duvauchelle) is the older brother, marked by a troubled past and returning from a long absence. Grief and a burning desire for retribution propel the brothers into Nice's dangerous criminal underworld. As they navigate this brutal landscape controlled by a ruthless local kingpin, they not only face external threats but are also compelled to confront the deep-seated tensions, differing moral codes, and unresolved conflicts within their own relationship. "In the Name of Blood" is a visceral and emotionally charged examination of how the pursuit of vengeance can test the bonds of brotherhood, challenge faith, and lead to irreversible consequences, ultimately questioning the true cost of honor and loyalty.
Plot Summary
When their father, a prominent figure in the Georgian community in Nice, is murdered, his estranged sons – an aspiring priest and his troubled older brother – are drawn into the city's criminal underworld seeking revenge, forcing them to confront their difficult past and redefine their brotherhood amidst violence.
Director's Vision
Akaki Popkhadze, drawing upon his multicultural background and personal experiences, imbued "In the Name of Blood" with a sense of authenticity and introspection. His directorial vision aimed to expose the gritty reality beneath Nice's picturesque surface, utilizing the city as a tangible character in the narrative. Popkhadze discussed dividing aspects of his own identity and internal conflicts – related to family, religion, and violence – among the film's central characters. He employed a deliberate and often physically close camera style to immerse the audience in the characters' experiences and heighten the film's tension. Through the strained relationship between the brothers and their struggles with communication, Popkhadze also explored themes of toxic masculinity and the difficulties men can face in expressing emotion, viewing the film, in part, as a personal message to his own brother.
Themes
Revenge and its Consequences: The film intensely examines the destructive cycle of vengeance and the moral compromises it demands.
Brotherhood and Reconciliation: The strained but enduring bond between the two vastly different brothers forms a central emotional axis of the story.
Faith and Morality: Tristan's spiritual path stands in stark contrast to the violence they encounter, raising questions about faith's place in a brutal world and the characters' moral choices.
Identity and Cultural Heritage: The film touches on the experiences of the Georgian diaspora in France and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities.
The Criminal Underworld: The film provides a raw and unflinching look at the violent realities of organized crime.
Family Honor and Loyalty: The traditional concept of upholding family honor drives much of the conflict, forcing the brothers to consider the true meaning of loyalty.
Key Success Factors
Based on its reception at film festivals and initial reviews, key success factors for "In the Name of Blood" include:
Compelling and Intense Narrative: The film's gripping storyline centered on revenge and family conflict effectively engages audiences within the thriller genre.
Strong Direction for a Debut Feature: Akaki Popkhadze's confident handling of complex themes and genre conventions in his first feature film has been noted as a significant strength.
Authentic Portrayal of Setting and Community: The film's use of real locations in Nice and its focus on the Georgian community contribute to its sense of authenticity and atmosphere.
Notable Performances: The lead actors, particularly Nicolas Duvauchelle and Florent Hill, have been praised for their convincing portrayals of the troubled brothers.
Film Festival Recognition: Official selections in competitive sections at respected international festivals like San Sebastian and Tallinn Black Nights have brought the film valuable exposure and critical attention.
Summary Short
"In the Name of Blood (2024)" is a crime thriller debut from director Akaki Popkhadze, following two estranged Georgian brothers in Nice who are drawn into the criminal underworld seeking revenge for their father's murder, forcing them to confront their fractured relationship and the violent path they embark on.
Awards and Nominations
According to IMDb, "In the Name of Blood (2024)" has received a total of 1 nomination. The specific details of this nomination are not widely available in public sources. However, the film's selection for competitive sections at several significant international film festivals, including the New Directors section at the San Sebastian International Film Festival 2024 and the New Directors Competition at the Mostra - São Paulo International Film Festival 2024, serves as notable recognition of its quality and the director's emerging talent within the global film community. It was also featured in a spotlight on Georgian cinema at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) 2024.
Critics Reception
Initial critical reception for "In the Name of Blood" from available sources has been largely positive, emphasizing the film's strengths as an intense and well-executed genre piece.
Cineuropa: Described the film as an "intense and ferocious thriller" that successfully delves into the dark side of Nice and features a "high-tension script" and strong performances.
The Film Verdict: Praised Akaki Popkhadze's "confident direction" and ability to blend realism and stylization, noting the film's effective use of its setting and the compelling performances, despite finding the plot somewhat formulaic. The review highlighted Popkhadze as a "vibrant new voice" in French cinema.
IMDb User Reviews: Based on a limited number of user ratings, the film holds a mixed but generally favorable score of 6.4/10.
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics generally regard "In the Name of Blood" as a compelling and well-crafted debut film. Its strengths lie in its gripping portrayal of revenge and brotherhood, the director's assured handling of the thriller genre, and the strong performances of the cast. The film's ability to create an intense atmosphere and utilize its unique setting were also highlighted positively.
Reviews
Reviews from publications like Cineuropa and The Film Verdict commend "In the Name of Blood" for its gripping storyline, atmospheric setting, and the compelling dynamic between the two lead characters. These reviews suggest a film that, while working within established genre conventions, offers a fresh perspective through its specific cultural context and the director's personal vision. The film is seen as a powerful and promising debut that delivers on its premise with intensity and strong performances.
Box Office
As of the available information, "In the Name of Blood (2024)" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $144,831. This figure likely reflects the returns from its limited theatrical release, primarily in France, and any revenue generated from festival screenings.
Production
"In the Name of Blood (2024)" is an international co-production involving production companies from France, Belgium, Austria, and Georgia, reflecting the film's narrative connections to these regions. The production companies include Adastra Films (France), Beside Productions (Belgium), Elly Films (Austria), and Gemini (Georgia). Akaki Popkhadze directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Florent Hill, who also stars in the movie. The film was shot on location in Nice, France.
Production Companies
Adastra Films: (Country: France) - Production Company.
Beside Productions: (Country: Belgium) - Production Company.
Elly Films: (Country: Austria) - Production Company.
Gemini: (Country: Georgia) - Co-production Company.
Sales Companies
Urban Sales: (Country: France) - Handles the world sales for the film.
Distribution Companies
ARP Sélection SAS: (Country: France) - Distributed the film theatrically in France.
Information regarding distribution in other territories beyond its French release and festival screenings is not widely available.
Theatrical Release
"In the Name of Blood (2024)" premiered at several international film festivals in late 2024, including the San Sebastian International Film Festival in September and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in November. It had its theatrical release in France on January 8, 2025, distributed by ARP Sélection SAS. The film has also been screened at other festivals throughout late 2024 and early 2025.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Intense Crime Thriller with Depth: It offers more than just action, delving into complex family dynamics and personal conflicts.
Insightful Cultural Perspective: The film provides a look into the experiences of the Georgian community in Nice, a less-explored subject in cinema.
Strong Debut from an Emerging Director: It's an opportunity to see the promising first feature from a director with a distinct voice.
Why to Watch Movie
For Fans of Gritty European Cinema: If you appreciate atmospheric and realistic crime dramas set in European cities, this film is a compelling choice.
To Experience a Story of Brotherhood and Revenge: The central relationship between the two brothers and their quest for retribution provides a powerful narrative drive.
To Support Independent and International Film: Watching the film supports independent productions and diverse voices in cinema.
What Movie Trend film is following
The film aligns with the trend of regional and diasporic crime dramas, focusing on the criminal underworld and social dynamics within specific cultural communities (the Georgian community) in a particular geographical setting (Nice). It also fits within the broader trend of promising debut features by directors making their mark on the international film festival circuit.
What Big Social Trend is following
The movie touches upon social trends related to immigration and integration, exploring the complexities faced by immigrant communities, including issues of identity, tradition, and their interactions with the wider society and, in this case, organized crime. It also implicitly engages with the universal themes of family dynamics, intergenerational conflict, and the impact of trauma and violence.
Final Verdict
"In the Name of Blood (2024)" is a powerful and impressive debut feature from Akaki Popkhadze. While operating within the familiar contours of a crime thriller, the film distinguishes itself through its authentic portrayal of the Georgian community in Nice, its intense exploration of brotherhood and revenge, and the director's personal vision woven into the narrative. Popkhadze directs with confidence, creating a gritty and atmospheric portrait of a city and its hidden dangers. Bolstered by strong performances, particularly from its lead actors, the film is a compelling watch for audiences who appreciate character-driven genre films with a strong sense of place and thematic depth. "In the Name of Blood" marks Akaki Popkhadze as a director to watch.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Find the Personal Within Genre: Injecting personal experiences and cultural background into genre filmmaking can create unique and resonant stories.
Utilize Specific Settings to Enhance Narrative: A well-realized and authentic setting can become a character in itself, adding depth and atmosphere to the film.
Focus on Strong Performances in Character-Driven Stories: Encouraging nuanced portrayals of complex characters is crucial for elevating a genre film beyond its plot.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support and Promote Debut Features from Diverse Voices: Actively seek out and champion the first films of directors from varied backgrounds and regions, as they often bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.
Recognize the Value of Film Festivals: Continue to view film festivals as vital platforms for discovering and supporting independent and international cinema.
Invest in Distribution for Regional and Socially Relevant Genre Films: Create pathways for genre films that explore specific communities and social issues to reach wider audiences, recognizing their potential for both artistic merit and audience engagement.
Comments