Could Netflix's "Lupin" be the best series of 2021? : A review.
I’ll be truthfully honest with you, I wasn’t planning to write a review on this, but after watching the first series (in one sitting), it would be insulting not to!
First and foremost, let me give you a quick background breakdown. This is a French series - yep, you heard me right! It’s not in English, but before you run away, you HAVE to give it a chance because it’s worth every minute! Ok, listen… remember when we said that “Parasite” was a must-see movie even though it was in South Korean and had subtitles? Well, it went on to win many Oscars and was dubbed the film of the century - so if that is not a reason to broaden your viewing preference, then I do not know for you! (and if you haven’t watched it yet, you must add it to your list immediately).
Back to my point… just because it’s not in English, it doesn’t mean you should give it a pass, and this series is certainly one not to skip. Also, please watch it in French with the English subtitles to ensure the best experience (because if you don’t…you are uncultured, and I WILL be judging, but also… NO).
The series is inspired by the short stories of Arsène Lupiin: A famous figure of French detective literature curated by writer Maurice Leblanc. His works are famous amongst the French, and he is recognised in some European countries as well, such as the UK (if you can remember your GCSE days).
This particular series is inspired by Gentleman thief and for those who don’t know the story, we learn more about what happens in the book through the adventures of the protagonist Assane Diop (played brilliantly by Omar Sy). Assane is gifted this novel by his father as a child and grows up appreciating the contents of his book into his adulthood. Inspired by Lupin’s ways and ability to finesse, and almost shape-shift amongst society, Assane meticulously studies and imitates his character and applies it in the real world...
Right, background done… let’s get into it! Whew! What can I say? I cannot fault the series one bit so far… I say so far because Series 2 is pending (though it is confirmed! Woop Woop) and I honestly pray with every bone in my body that the standard is maintained because this has the potential to be the series of 2021! That is a BOLD statement coming from me when we’re less than two weeks into the new year… but I am confident it will deliver!
Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil it for you! I mean I couldn't even if I wanted to because this series is PACKED with action from the start! I wasn’t even ten minutes in before I realised that this series was like crack to me (disclaimer, I don’t do crack pls pls). Anywaysssss, hooked isn’t the word and I don’t seem to be alone as EVERYONE, (literally, everyone) I know that has watched it has binged watched series one in one sitting too.
Tbh, It’s only 5 episodes long and all under 45 minutes (I wish there were more episodes, but we don’t rush excellence over here) so it’s easy to do… but all credit goes to the story, the acting, and the phenomenal writing skills of George Kay and François Uzan - who are, btw, GOATS for this. Like really! Come up to the stage and collect your accolades right now!
Of course, we must not ignore the brilliance that is Omar Sy, who encapsulates his character SO WELL as he takes us through glimpses of Assane’s personal, public and past life in the opening scenes and takes us on the journey of his life. I think what I liked most about this series, is the way that we are dropped in the action from the start and drip-fed the background information later on in the episode. In less than ten mins, we (the viewers) feel like we are in on the biggest heist when Assane breaks down his plan to steal the crown jewels at the Louvre - the very place he works (or so we think).
As we become more attuned to his ways and motives, we realise that Assane is nothing less than a genius. How he plans to pull it off is nothing but brilliance. It’s juicy, exhilarating, and not predictable in the slightest- which I LOVE. So many times, I was thinking “oh shit” only to say “oh rahhh!” a few moments later (very London of me). Honestly, when I say I was INVOLVED - please believe no-one could distract me and I’m glad to report that I was never disappointed.
There are a few scenes that highlight his brilliance, notably, the museum scene, the park scene, and the prison scene. Don’t worry, I am not going to spill any beans, so you’re just going to have to watch it for yourself (in French, of course) because the twists and turns will have you glued to the screen.
That’s all for now! I cannot wait for the second series and I am so happy that it has been confirmed! I really hope it continues to maintain the standards it has already set, because I am not ready to let this one go!
It’s rare of me to say this, but I give this series 10/10!
Have you watched it yet? Let me know what you think!
Liz x