Criminal: France (TV Show)

Title — Criminal: France
Available on — Netflix
Release Date — 2019
Secrets emerge and entire cases unravel inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators face off in an intricate dance.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In the gripping TV mini-series “Criminal: France,” viewers are immersed in the intense world of police interrogations in Paris. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, this French-language police procedural anthology series offers a unique glimpse into the intricate dance between suspects and investigators inside a police interview room. With a stellar cast including Margot Bancilhon, Laurent Lucas, and Stéphane Jobert, the show delves into the unraveling of entire cases and the emergence of dark secrets.

Set in a limited series format, “Criminal: France” presents three compelling episodes, each running between 37 to 42 minutes, providing a succinct yet riveting narrative. The production by Idiotlamp Productions captures the essence of the French language and culture, adding authenticity to the storytelling.

The series kicks off with the episode “Émilie,” where viewers witness detectives grappling with the enigmatic case of a woman named Émilie. As the interrogation unfolds, tensions rise, and the true nature of the crime is slowly revealed. The episode masterfully weaves together the personal and professional struggles of the characters, offering a nuanced exploration of morality and justice.

Throughout the show, guest stars like Nathalie Baye, Jérémie Renier, and Sara Giraudeau make captivating appearances, adding layers to the already complex narrative. The interactions between the suspects and the investigators are portrayed with a sense of urgency and depth, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

One of the standout features of “Criminal: France” is its ability to maintain a high level of suspense and intrigue while focusing primarily on the interrogation room dynamics. The tight script, written by a talented team including Frederic Mermoud, Mathieu Missoffe, George Kay, and Antonin Martin-Hilbert, ensures that every moment is packed with tension and emotion.

Released on Netflix on 20th September 2019, “Criminal: France” is part of the larger “Criminal” anthology series, which features twelve episodes set in four different countries, each with its own unique storytelling style. The French installment stands out for its raw and unflinching portrayal of crime and justice in the heart of Paris.

While “Criminal: France” is not based on true stories, it draws inspiration from real-life crime to craft fictional narratives that challenge the moral compass of the characters. The series aims to explore the complex emotions and motivations behind police work, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

For fans of French crime dramas, “Criminal: France” is a must-watch, offering a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. With its stellar cast, tight storytelling, and intense interrogation room scenes, this mini-series is a standout addition to the world of police procedurals.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Margot Bancilhon, Laurent Lucas, Stéphane Jobert, Anne Azoulay, Mhamed Arezki, Sara Giraudeau, Nathalie Baye, Jérémie Renier

Character Actor
Émilie Weber Sara Giraudeau
Caroline Solal Nathalie Baye
Jérôme Lacombe Jérémie Renier
Commander Audrey Larsen Margot Bancilhon
Commander Gérard Sarkissian Stéphane Jobert
Captain Olivier Hagen Laurent Lucas
Brigadier Omar Matif Mhamed Arezki
Brigadier Laetitia Serra Anne Azoulay

💬 Reviews and feedback

Imagine being locked in a room with tension thicker than a bowl of French onion soup, suspects sweating more than a cheese fondue on a summer day, and investigators sharper than a fresh baguette. That’s the thrilling experience you get with “Criminal: France” on Netflix.

This enthralling police drama takes you inside the intense world of police interviews in Paris, where secrets surface and cases unfold like delicate pastries. With an anthology format consisting of twelve episodes across four countries, “Criminal: France” stands out for its gripping narratives and stellar performances.

One standout aspect of the show is the impeccable acting. David Tennant shines as the guest star, stealing the spotlight with his riveting performance. However, let’s not overlook Lee Ingleby, who delivers a nuanced and convincing portrayal as the lead investigator, adding depth to every scene.

  • Plot: The intricate dance between suspects and investigators in the interrogation room keeps you on the edge of your seat. Each episode unravels like a carefully crafted macaron, revealing layers of suspense and intrigue.
  • Themes and Tone: The show delves into themes of deception, manipulation, and justice. The tone is dark yet engaging, drawing viewers into a world where truth is a precious commodity.
  • Acting and Characters: From seasoned actors like Nathalie Baye to rising stars like Jérémie Renier, the cast delivers top-notch performances that elevate the storytelling. Each character adds depth to the narrative, making you empathize with their struggles.

Binge-Watching Tip: Keep your detective hat on while watching “Criminal: France.” Pay attention to subtle clues and character dynamics to fully immerse yourself in the intriguing world of police interrogations.

The direction by Frédéric Mermoud is sharp and precise, capturing every tense moment with finesse. The cinematography paints a gritty yet visually captivating picture of Paris, adding to the overall atmosphere of suspense.

The production design deserves applause for recreating authentic police interrogation rooms that feel claustrophobic yet essential to the storytelling. Special effects are minimal but impactful when used, enhancing key moments without overshadowing the narrative.

  • Score: The score sets the mood perfectly, heightening tension during crucial scenes and adding an extra layer of intrigue to each episode.
  • Editing: The editing keeps the pace brisk and engaging, allowing each storyline to unfold seamlessly while maintaining suspense throughout.
  • Dialog: The dialogues are sharp and impactful, reflecting the high-stakes nature of police interrogations. Every word spoken carries weight, keeping viewers hooked till the last confession.

“Criminal: France” may not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, if you enjoy investigation dramas with a touch of French flair, this series is worth adding to your watchlist. With intelligent writing, stellar acting, and gripping narratives, it’s sure to keep you glued to your screen from start to finish.

In conclusion,

“Criminal: France” offers a compelling dive into the world of criminal investigations in Paris. With its well-crafted plots, strong performances, and immersive storytelling, this series earns a solid 8/10 rating for its ability to keep viewers guessing till the final verdict.

So grab some croissants, pour yourself a glass of Bordeaux (or coffee if it’s morning), and immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Criminal: France” for an investigative journey like no other!

Pros Cons
Absolutely gripping storyline Episodes are short and few
Good acting and direction No indication of a second season
Intricate and intense police drama Some complaints about the series
Strong performances by the cast Some cases’ resolutions feel lacking
Engaging investigation dramas Some inconsistencies in the storyline

Feedback

  • Criminal: France (TV Mini Series 2019) - IMDb

    SPONSORED

    Criminal: France

    • TV Mini Series
    • 2019
    • 39m

    Secrets emerge and entire cases unravel inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators face off in an intricate dance.Secrets emerge and entire cases unravel inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators face off in an intricate dance.Secrets emerge and entire cases unravel inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators face off in an intricate dance.Browse episodesSPONSORED

  • Criminal: France - Wikipedia

    Criminal: Franceis a 2019 French-language police procedural anthology series created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith and starring Nathalie Baye, Jérémie Renier and Sara Giraudeau. Criminal: France is part of Netflix’sCriminal, an anthology series consisting of twelve episodes, with three episodes set in each of four countries, filmed in local languages – France, Spain, Germany and the UK.

  • Criminal: France (TV Mini Series 2019) - Episode list - IMDb

    Top-ratedS1.E1 ∙ ÉmilieFri, Sep 20, 2019As a woman recounts her memories of the attack at the Bataclan, which killed her boyfriend, detectives become convinced that she’s hiding something.7.2/10 (553)Rate

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the Netflix series ‘Criminal: France’, viewers are taken on a gripping journey through the intricacies of criminal investigations and human psychology. The French edition of the show presents a unique twist where the individuals being questioned are not the perpetrators of the crimes under investigation, but are closely tied to the cases in unexpected ways.

The first episode, ‘Émilie’, delves into the aftermath of the 2015 Paris attacks at the Bataclan Theatre. Émilie, a character brought in for questioning, claims to have been present during the tragic event where her boyfriend, Alex, lost his life. However, suspicions arise when she is believed to have falsely sought financial compensation from the government. The episode cleverly unfolds as the police meticulously uncover the truth behind Émilie’s deception.

The interrogation reveals inconsistencies in Émilie’s account, such as the absence of alibis, her phone being switched off during the shooting, and a crucial photograph taken after she claimed to have escaped, indicating her dishonesty. The plot thickens as it is unveiled that Émilie’s motive for the lie stems not only from financial gain but also from personal entanglements, including an affair with Alex’s best friend, Meier.

Through Émilie’s story, the episode delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding the interrogation of a victim, blurring the lines between justice and empathy. Ultimately, Émilie confesses to her deceit, revealing a troubled past with Alex that predates the tragic events at the Bataclan Theatre.

‘Criminal: France’ masterfully weaves together elements of crime, emotion, and human nature, offering a fresh perspective on police procedural dramas. Each episode unravels a complex web of relationships and motivations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the truth behind each case is gradually unveiled.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-MA

Age Rating:

The TV mini-series “Criminal: France” has been rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to its content.

Parental Guide:

Sex & Nudity:

  • There are references to sexual acts and relationships.
  • Some scenes may contain sexual content, but without explicit nudity.

Violence & Gore:

  • The show features intense interrogation scenes and discussions of criminal activities.
  • There may be depictions of violence, but without excessive gore.

Profanity:

  • Expect the use of strong language throughout the series.
  • Profanity is present in the dialogues and interactions among characters.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:

  • Characters may be seen smoking during breaks.
  • There are discussions related to drug use and criminal activities involving substances.

Overall Recommendation:

Due to the mature themes, intense interrogation scenes, and use of strong language, “Criminal: France” is recommended for viewers aged 17 and above. Parents are advised to preview the content to determine its suitability for younger audiences.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Netflix Criminal: France is available for streaming on Netflix. The TV show can be watched in English language.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Secrets emerge and entire cases unravel inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators face off in an intricate dance.
  • November 13th 2015 is an unforgettable day for France and while the crime committed is not the worst of the three French episodes, the raw emotions surrounding that tragedy make it a poignant and dramatic one nonetheless.
  • She explains that it started after she bought some drinks and was bringing it back to her boyfriend Alex.
  • After finding more discrepancies in her testimony, Hagen reveals that someone has filed a claim against her, saying she was never at the Bataclan that night.
  • Laeticia, another Inspector, arrives at the police station. After watching the interrogation, she becomes outraged when she finds out that Emilie is accused of lying, especially after one of her friends were shot and became paralyzed because of the attack.
  • The captain then tells her lawyer that she will be prosecuted for fraud and perjury.
  • As Emilie is escorted out the building, Sarkissian reveals who reported her – it was Leonard Meier, Alex’s best friend.
  • She then requests to go back to the room to make a new and truthful statement where we leave the episode.
  • The first episode has been quite impressive, and all the investigators have great chemistry between them too.

🤖Criminal: France Reddit Talks

Criminal: France is a crime anthology drama series on Netflix with a few episodes in each of 4 languages/countries (England, France, Spain, …). The French team has been described as “plain annoying” and the first episode was criticized for being “boring” with a “lame twist.”

One viewer questioned the quality of the various versions of the show, asking “what’s the deal with the various versions you of the show “Criminal”?”

Another viewer expressed their dislike for the character Laetitia, saying “Wow, Laetitia sucks.”

In a discussion about which country’s version of the show was best, one viewer ranked them as follows: “I’d probably go: UK. Germany. France. Spain.”

Another viewer asked “Why does it seem like no one likes Audrey in Criminal France,” after completing the French version of the show and expressing confusion about one of her workers betraying her.

Overall, the discussions about Criminal: France on Reddit were mixed, with some viewers finding it boring and annoying, while others enjoyed it and ranked it as one of the better versions of the show.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Criminal: France based on true stories?

The crimes all four teams of investigators are attempting to solve in Criminal: France are works of fiction, not based on true stories.

How many episodes of Criminal: France are there?

Criminal: France is part of Netflix’s Criminal anthology series, consisting of twelve episodes in total.

What is Criminal: France about on Netflix?

Criminal: France revolves around secrets emerging and entire cases unraveling inside a police interview room in Paris, where suspects and investigators engage in an intricate dance.

What Netflix Detective series is set in France?

Some French crime shows to watch on Netflix include Ganglands, Criminal, Black Spot, Lupin, The Forest, and Family Business.

Where is Criminal: France filmed?

The first series of Criminal: France was filmed at Netflix’s production hub at Secuoya Studios, Ciudad de la Tele in Madrid, along with Criminal: Spain, Criminal: Germany, and Criminal: UK.

Is Criminal: UK a spin-off?

Criminal: France is part of the Criminal anthology series by Netflix, which includes Criminal: France, Criminal: Germany, Criminal: Spain, and Criminal: UK, each set in a different country with its own unique cases.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

  1. Ganglands: A French crime show.
  2. Criminal: Another crime drama series.
  3. Black Spot: A mysterious and thrilling TV show.
  4. Lupin: A captivating French mystery series.
  5. The Forest: A gripping French police procedural.
  6. Family Business: A crime drama with a twist.

Wallpapers & Media

🔥 Audience Trends

Stats and Audience chart

✨ Discover more titles

✍️ Contribute to this page