“Sleepless Night” season 2: A worthy sequel

Saved from the shipwreck by Prime Video, whose mission is to offer more Quebec content, the Nuit blanche series comes back to life for a second season, starting this Thursday, May 2, to the pleasure of the many fans who had decried its cancellation. Still written by Julie Hivon (Alertes) and directed by Julien Hurteau, this second version brings us back to the same territory, while secrets, lies, questions and quests intertwine more than ever.

The narrative framework of the series is always proposed with two temporalities. On the One hand, we visit the 80s, when Louise’s ambitions lead her to launch the company Nocturnal in the company of her neighbor, Jacinthe. Aidrian, still obsessed with Loulou, does everything he can to propel her to new heights, even if it means having to embrace her dark side. On the other hand, in the present, Louise’s murder seems well resolved, but the discoveries made on the sidelines of the first season lead the children of the Hébert family towards new worrying suspicions, even errors of judgment. It seems a murderer is still at large. Who is it? Added to this is a third temporality, this time depicted in black and white, in which we find the formidable France Castel, while her Louise, shortly before her death, discovers information about her past which shakes up everything.

See the trailer in the header above.

One thing is certain, the author Julie Hivon did not give herself an easy task in writing this three-part sequel, in which we witness a ramification of conspiracies and mysteries. The plot picks up exactly where it left off, leaving no one hanging. Certainly, the plot in the past, which takes place against the backdrop of the first referendum on the independence of Quebec, is still the most fascinating, while we rediscover the extraordinary chemistry which animates Rose-Marie Perreault and Nico Racicot.

No one will be disoriented with this sequel, which uses the same visual and narrative codes. Director Julien Hurteau coats his creation with the same luster as the first season, even with a little more financial means. The sumptuous result is never repulsive and always proves credible.

On the story side, there are a few dangling strings and a few plots that seem a little more forced to us, like this scarf thrown in the wind which will certainly come back to haunt certain characters. But those who were won over by the second season will certainly be delighted with this development, which respects the initial premise. From the first two episodes, which we had the chance to see first, our renewed suspicions turn towards one of the characters who were very present in the first season. It will be interesting to see where the author takes us with this maelstrom of possibilities.

On the distribution side, it is obviously a pleasure to reconnect with France Castel, who had very little air time in the first season, which however always revolved around her character. The slightly more nervous performance of Brigitte Lafleur, who takes on the trappings of Valérie Blais in the role of Charlotte Hébert, will require a certain adjustment from fans. Otherwise, it’s always a pleasure to meet the talented Jean-Philippe Perras, Marilyse Bourke, Jean-Moïse Martin, Jean-Nicolas Verreault and Ron Léa, who show us all the colors.

Certainly aimed at the early audience, Nuit Blanche II proves to be a worthy sequel, full of unsaid words and shenanigans. It may not be perfect, but it’s wildly entertaining.

The 8 episodes of the second season are now available on Prime Video. They will be broadcast this fall on Séries Plus.

The first season is also available as a catch-up on Prime Video, for those who missed the first boat.

See our photos from the series launch below.

Launch of the 2nd season of Sleepless night