KO Netflix Movie Review (2025) | Worth Watching?

I don’t know what’s exactly wrong with movies these days, but something always feels…off. Maybe it’s the lack of a strong villain. Or maybe stories are just getting weaker. This week, I binged a film called KO, available on Netflix. Let’s deep dive into whether the latest release — the KO Netflix movie — is worth watching or just another swing that misses the mark.

What’s KO Netflix Movie About?

Directed by Antoine Blossier, KO introduces us to Bastien (played by French MMA fighter Ciryl Gane), a reclusive fighter haunted by a tragic incident in the ring — he accidentally killed his opponent Enzo during a match. Now living in solitude, Bastien is pulled back into the chaos when Enzo’s widow begs him to help find her missing son, Leo, who has vanished in the crime-infested district of Marseilles.

Joining him is Kenza (played by Alice Badié), a determined police officer with her own vendetta against the local gangs. What follows is a gritty, action-packed journey filled with bone-crunching fight sequences and a narrative that tries — but mostly fails — to leave a lasting impression.

Star Power or Rookie Move?

Let’s talk about Ciryl Gane. As a professional MMA fighter, his physical presence is undeniable. And when he’s in action, the man truly delivers. Every punch, kick, and chokehold feels real — because it is. The KO Netflix movie clearly capitalizes on his fighting skills, giving viewers some genuinely intense and authentic fight sequences.

But outside the ring? Gane’s performance is wooden at best. His expressions are flat, and his emotional range is about as wide as a punching bag. To be fair, it’s his first leading role — and much like early Dwayne Johnson or John Cena, there’s room for growth. But in a film where emotional depth could’ve elevated the story, his inexperience becomes painfully obvious.

The Bad: A Story That’s Down for the Count

Sadly, KO Netflix Movie collapses under the weight of its clichés. The plot? A recycled “assault on Precinct 13” scenario: rogue cop + traumatized hero vs. a cartoonishly evil gang. The villain? A one-dimensional crime lord whose sole trait is ruthlessness. While the actor commits (shoutout for making us believe he’d stomp a puppy!), the script gives him zero depth. As our reviewer noted:

“The plot is superficial, unoriginal, and predictable… KO recycled a thousand tropes from better thrillers.”

And the characters? Bastien’s “torment” lacks emotional weight, Kenza’s “girl boss” energy feels half-baked (though Alice Bady nails her no-nonsense grit), and poor Léo’s just a damsel in distress.

Where’s the Villain?

Here’s my biggest gripe: no strong villain. Yes, there is a bad guy — a ruthless gang leader who doesn’t blink twice before committing horrifying acts — but he’s so one-dimensional that he feels more like a placeholder than a real threat.

In films like John Wick or even Straw (also on Netflix), the villain is almost as memorable as the hero. That balance creates tension and stakes. In KO, the antagonist is more of a background element, leaving the story without a real backbone.

Supporting Cast: Some Hits, Some Misses

Alice Badié as Kenza offers a few bright spots. She plays a no-nonsense cop with a fearless attitude and even gets a few empowering moments. But again, the writing doesn’t support her arc enough to make it impactful. The chemistry between Bastien and Kenza is more functional than emotional — they’re partners in action, but the bond never really resonates.

The Action: KO’s Only Saving Grace

Now, let’s give credit where it’s due. The fight scenes in KO are undeniably intense and well-choreographed. If you’re a fan of MMA, you’ll appreciate how the film integrates grappling, knee kicks, and holds into the action. It’s gritty, realistic, and often brutal. And yes, the cinematography tries its best to cushion some of the shock, but the raw violence still hits hard.

This is where KO shines — not in its story or characters, but in its physicality.

The Story: A Patchwork of Clichés

Unfortunately, everything outside the action is where the movie loses steam. The KO Netflix movie tries to weave in a rescue mission, police corruption, and a “lone warrior returns” trope — but none of it feels fresh.

It borrows heavily from films like Assault on Precinct 13 and other standard revenge thrillers. And while that formula can work with the right execution, here it just feels recycled and predictable. The emotional moments are rushed. The twists, if any, are visible from a mile away. And the pacing often drags during the non-action parts.

Is KO Worth Watching?

So, should you give the KO Netflix movie a shot? Well, if you’re in the mood for a raw, fight-heavy thriller and don’t mind a flat story or underdeveloped characters, then yes — it’s a decent one-time watch. Think of it like those straight-to-DVD action flicks from the early 2000s. Entertaining? Maybe. Memorable? Not really.

As someone who watches a lot of Netflix content, I’d say KO had potential — especially with a fresh lead like Ciryl Gane. But without a strong villain or a more solid story, it ends up being just another flick that passes the time but doesn’t linger in your memory.

Final Verdict

There’s a fine line between being gritty and being generic — and KO walks that line a little too comfortably. While it does have its moments, especially in the fight scenes, it ultimately fails to deliver a complete cinematic experience. With a better script, stronger character arcs, and a more menacing antagonist, this could have been a sleeper hit.

But as it stands?

2.5/5 stars — watch it for the action, but don’t expect a knockout.