The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin is a French television series that revolves around the life of Arsène Lupin, a fictional gentleman thief created by Maurice Leblanc in his novels. The show is produced by Gaumont Television and was first aired in 2020. It consists of 10 episodes and is available for streaming on the digital platform MHz Choice.
The series is set in modern-day Paris and follows the adventures of Arsène Lupin, who is now a charismatic thief, hacker, and master of disguise. The show starts with a bang, as Arsène Lupin, played by Omar Sy, carries out a daring heist of a diamond necklace worth millions of dollars from the Louvre Museum. The theft sets the tone for the series, which is fast-paced, action-packed, and sleek.
Each episode of The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin is independent of the others, but there are some overarching themes and storylines that tie them together. The series is a mix of high-stakes heists, cat-and-mouse chases, and clever twists and turns. Arsène Lupin is always one step ahead of the police, who are constantly on his tail, and uses his wit, charm, and intelligence to outsmart them.
Apart from the thrill of the heists and the chases, the series also delves into the personal life of Arsène Lupin. He is a single father who is trying to balance his responsibilities as a parent with his life as a thief. He also has a complicated relationship with his ex-partner, Juliette Pellegrini, played by Clotilde Hesme. Juliette is a detective who is assigned to investigate the Louvre heist and soon realizes that Arsène Lupin is behind it. The two share a romantic past and have a son together, and their relationship is one of the key plotlines of the series.
Another interesting aspect of The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin is the technology angle. Arsène Lupin is a master hacker who uses his skills to infiltrate security systems and carry out his heists. He also has a team of hackers and tech experts who assist him in his missions. The series shows how technology has changed the landscape of thievery in the 21st century and how Arsène Lupin adapts to these changes.
One of the standout features of the series is the performance of Omar Sy as Arsène Lupin. Sy is a well-known French actor who shot to fame with his role in the film Intouchables. In The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin, he brings a new dimension to the character of Lupin, who was originally portrayed as a suave and gentlemanly thief. Sy's Lupin is more streetwise, charismatic, and vulnerable. He imbues the character with a sense of humor and a moral code that makes him more relatable to the audience.
The supporting cast of the series is also strong, with notable performances from Ludivine Sagnier as the ambitious journalist Fabienne Beriot, Nicole Garcia as the powerful businesswoman Anne Pellegrini, and Soufiane Guerrab as the loyal and resourceful Benjamin Ferel. The series also features guest appearances from some well-known French actors, such as Vincent Garanger, Vincent Londez, and Hervé Pierre.
The production design and cinematography of The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin are top-notch. The series is shot on location in Paris, and the city serves as a backdrop to the action. The scenes at the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and other iconic locations are beautifully shot and add to the glamour and mystique of the series.
In conclusion, The New Adventures of Arsène Lupin is a must-watch for fans of heist and crime dramas. It updates the character of Arsène Lupin for a modern audience and infuses the series with humor, style, and heart. The series is a perfect example of French television at its best, and with only 10 episodes, it is the perfect weekend binge-watch.