Vincent Cassel stars in Netflix’s new production that blends comedy, thriller, and electronic music. This combination might sound like a recipe for absurdity, yet the film is surprisingly entertaining and well-controlled.
“Banger” owes much of its appeal to its star, Vincent Cassel, who brings the protagonist to life with grace, talent, and a healthy dose of irony. The film is entertaining, funny, and has that touch of quirky French comedy.
Plot Overview
The plot of “Banger” revolves around Scorpex, a DJ who once reached the heights of electronic music fame, but whose star has since faded. In a twist of fate, a DGSI agent, played by Laura Felpin, approaches Scorpex with an unusual proposition. She offers him a chance to revive his career by undertaking a clandestine mission: infiltrating the contemporary electronic music scene and dismantling the burgeoning success of Vestax, his younger and more popular rival, played by Mister V.
The Cast
Behind “Banger” is a director known as So Me, recognized for his work as a director and graphic artist in the realms of hip-hop and electronic music. This background suggests a deep understanding of the film’s central musical landscape.
Vincent Cassel embodies Scorpex, a role described as a “delightful” portrayal of a veteran DJ struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving scene. Opposite him, Mister V plays Vestax, the new talent threatening Scorpex’s legacy. Laura Felpin plays Julie, the DGSI agent who sets the film’s events in motion. Paul Mirabel, Panayotis Pascot, Philippe Katerine, and Manu Payet, all well-known for their comedic talent in France, round out the comedic ensemble. Notably, the cast also includes Kavinsky, a prominent electronic music artist, further emphasizing the film’s connection to the music world. The director’s established presence in the hip-hop and electronic music scene likely means the film features an authentic and energetic soundtrack, crucial for a film centered on this genre.
Starring: Vincent Cassel
Vincent Cassel’s extensive filmography, boasting over 100 acting credits, showcases his immense talent. He is often recognized for portraying intense and sometimes volatile characters, as seen in films like “La Haine,” “Black Swan,” and the “Mesrine” series. His role as Scorpex in “Banger” marks a potential departure from this established persona, as he plays a somewhat faded veteran of the electronic scene.
This year also sees the release of another Netflix film starring Cassel, the science fiction horror thriller “The Shrouds,” directed by David Cronenberg, where he plays a character confronting grief and innovative technology. This stark contrast between his roles in “Banger” and “The Shrouds” underscores his versatility as an actor. Taking on a comedic role as a DJ represents a change for Cassel, potentially allowing him to showcase a different facet of his acting abilities and surprise audiences accustomed to his more serious performances. The simultaneous release of two vastly different films on Netflix highlights his adaptability and the breadth of his talent, catering to diverse audience preferences within the streaming platform’s offerings.
Our Verdict
“Banger” is quirky, fun, and distinctive. It’s a comedy with a “Zoolander”-esque vibe, though more controlled and with a stronger sense of script and character development. While it embraces satire and leans towards extravagance, it never fully descends into absurd comedy, managing to remain consistently entertaining.
It may not be Vincent Cassel’s best film, but it is one of his most enjoyable, allowing the actor to shine in a role that, beyond dramatic moments, showcases his charisma. “Banger” provides its protagonist (Cassel) with ample opportunity to shine, and he seizes the chance to display his comedic talent.
“Banger” doesn’t aspire to break box office records; it aims to entertain, amuse, and provide a good time. It achieves this from the very first minute, with a brisk, comedic, and thriller-like pace, creating a charismatic character brought to life by an even more charismatic actor.
This might not be anyone’s all-time favorite movie, but it delivers on its promise: it entertains and makes you laugh. Sources and related content
Where to Watch “Banger”
