THE WAGES OF FEAR (2024) on Netflix is a French thriller based on a book and a remake all in one. We see a classic 24-hour “countdown to disaster”-plot play out over 104 minutes. Read our 2024 The Wages of Fear movie review here!
THE WAGES OF FEAR (2024) on Netflix is a French thriller (org. title: Le salaire de la peur) based on a book and a remake of the French movie from 1953. It was also adapted in English by The Exorcist director William Friedkin in 1977 in a remake called Sorcerer. Many called this remake the best version made.
In this 2024 version, we’ve come a long way since 1977 in ways of CGI and effects. Obviously, this makes for a different take on the story. One that will probably appeal more to contemporary audiences while others may have an affinity for the 1977 Sorcerer version of the story.
Continue reading our The Wages of Fear movie review below. Find it on Netflix from March 29, 2024.
Countdown to disaster
The plot of The Wages of Fear takes place on the road and at full speed ahead as our main characters are battling the clock. The story begins when an oil well catches fire in the middle of the desert, near a refugee camp. This fire is directly threatening the lives of the population.
In a world where people can be forced to live without clean drinking water or air, it’s difficult to truly buy into the desire to help. However, the original story is somewhat similar in essence. Also, never underestimate the desire to be a hero.
I sound bitter, I recognize that, but have you watched the news lately?!
In any case, a crew of experts is sent to the site, where only one solution can stop the impending disaster. The oil well must be detonated with nitroglycerin within 24 hours. And again, we all know that oil wells are something countries go to war over, so it’s hardly that simple.
In any case, a powerhouse team of French experts go 800 km away to transport 200 kg of explosives in two trucks. Now the team has less than 20 hours to reach the oil well. They’ll have to go through zones controlled by armed rebels, cross minefields, and drive the nitroglycerin-filled trucks over rough terrain!
The race against the clock has begun, but as Marilyn Monroe sang in the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, the French are glad to die for love. In this case, it’s the love of being a hero mostly, I suspect. And also, the point of the quest is to save the day and survive.
An updated and current version
In this 2024 version of The Wages of Fear (org. title: Le salaire de la peur), we see Franck Gastambide, Alban Lenoir (AKA), Ana Girardot (Babyphone), and Sofiane Zermani (No Limit) in the leading roles.
As already mentioned, this is a remake of the 1953 thriller that starred Yves Montand. That version was directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot who went on to direct the iconic horror drama Les diaboliques (1955). The 1953 movie was then remade in 1977 by William Friedkin and starred Roy Scheider (Jaws).
To do yet another remake is quite a thing, but enough changes have also been made to update it.
The location has been changed, which I think many can ignore. However, I am certain plenty will comment on the fact that the four men are not all men in this 2024 version. The word “woke” comes to mind, and perhaps it’s not the most elegant way of updating a story, but it does make it feel more current.
Watch The Wages of Fear on Netflix now!
The Wages of Fear is directed by Julien Leclercq. He also serves as co-writer and producer of the new Netflix feature film. Julien Leclercq has already worked on multiple Netflix projects including Ganglands, 2020’s Earth and Blood, and 2021’s Sentinelle.
As mentioned initially, I think this will appeal to many younger viewers. However, I also think it should’ve been made in English if the wish was to reach a wider audience. Maybe I’m wrong, but I suppose time will tell. Personally, I was somewhat entertained but also felt it tried to be something more than it is.
The Wages of Fear (2024) will be out on Netflix on March 29, 2024.
Details
Director: Julien Leclercq
Writers: Hamid Hlioua, Julien Leclercq
Stars: Franck Gastambide, Sofiane Zermani, Alban Lenoir, Ana Girardot, Joseph Beddelem
Plot
A powerhouse team has less than 24 hours to transport two trucks full of explosives across a hostile region and prevent a terrible catastrophe.
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