When I watched the first episode of the mini-series A Devoted FriendI was immediately struck by the subtle but omnipresent tension, this anxiety that grabs you by the throat from the first minutes. Led by the brilliant Laure Calamy and directed by Just Philippot, the series immerses us in a disturbing but captivating story, inspired by real events. This first episode features a woman, Chris, who invents a new life for herself in the aftermath of the Bataclan attacks, thus interfering in the pain of others, while building a castle of lies. The first episode introduces us directly into the life of Christelle, known as Chris, a forty-year-old still stuck with her mother. Far from being the heroic or strong figure that one might expect in such a story, Chris is an ordinary woman, even self-effacing, who will nevertheless engage in an infernal spiral of lies. Her obsession with the attacks of November 13, 2015, which she did not experience firsthand, becomes the starting point of her imposture.
The night of November 13, 2015, Christelle, like the rest of the country, was in shock. She was there for all the Eagles of Death Metal concerts in Paris. But there, she wasn’t there. However, she comes into contact with several victims to provide them with support and finds companionship and purpose in these survivors. When the idea of creating an association took shape, Chris became an essential element. But as his influence and connections grow, inconsistencies in his story raise suspicion. Real lies, false victim. How far will she be willing to go?
This choice of scenario, freely inspired by the real case of Florence M., is both fascinating and disturbing, because it questions our relationship to truth, to empathy, and above all to psychological manipulation. What struck me in this first episode is the delicacy with which Just Philippot approaches a subject as painful as that of the Bataclan attacks. We feel a real restraint in the treatment of events, and a desire not to sink into voyeurism or unhealthy exploitation of the drama. The series is not there to rewrite the story of the victims, but rather to explore the functioning of this pathological mythomaniac, masterfully portrayed by Laure Calamy. From the first scenes, Laure Calamy plays a Chris who is both banal and deeply complex. It is fascinating to see to what extent she can, in just a few glances, express a whole world of anxieties and contradictions. Chris is a fragile, lying character, and yet we can’t help but feel a certain form of pity for her.
This is where the subtlety of Calamy’s game lies: she does not try to make us love or hate Chris, she presents her to us as she is, with her faults, her flaws, and her lies which become more and more more toxic. What particularly impressed me in this first episode was Calamy’s ability to show the subtle evolution of his character. Chris begins as an isolated, discreet woman, then, little by little, we see her gain confidence in her lie. She interferes in support circles for victims, invents a friend in a coma, and attracts everyone’s sympathy. No one suspects, at this point, Chris’ true nature, and this is where the suspense begins to build. Suspense is a central element of A Devoted Friendand from this first episode, Just Philippot masters the art of keeping its viewer in suspense. The question that haunts us throughout the episode is simple: when and how will Chris be unmasked? The tension is palpable, not in scenes of action or direct confrontation, but in the details, the unsaid, the moments of silence that speak volumes.
Every misstep, every word too many, could lead to Chris’ downfall, and this constant fragility makes for incredibly captivating viewing. Just Philippot, known for films such as The Cloud or Acidmanages to create a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, without ever falling into sensationalism. Its production is elegant, almost clinical at times, and perfectly accompanies Chris’ psychological evolution. Far from being a simple account of news items, A Devoted Friend becomes under his direction a true dive into the twists and turns of the human spirit. Beyond Laure Calamy’s exceptional performance, we must also salute the entire cast who contribute to making this first episode so successful. Arieh Worthalter, in the role of the president of the victims’ association, plays a character who is both charismatic and vulnerable. He brings additional depth to the story, offering a counterpoint to the troubled figure of Chris.
The secondary characters are not left out and add to the complexity of the plot. They gravitate around Chris, taking her for a devoted friend, without ever suspecting the deception that is brewing before their eyes. This gap between what the characters perceive and what the viewer knows creates additional tension, an unease that pushes us to always want more. Another aspect that really struck me in this first episode is the soundtrack. The music, written by a talented team, reinforces this atmosphere of tension and ambiguity. The pieces chosen are subtle but effective, adding an almost oppressive dimension to certain scenes. This sound work helps to immerse the viewer in Chris’s world, while accentuating the constant pressure that weighs on his shoulders. In conclusion, this first episode of A Devoted Friend is a real success. It lays the foundations for a complex and gripping plot, supported by careful production and top-notch performance from actors.
The series promises to dig deep into the psychology of Chris, this woman lost in her lies, while maintaining palpable dramatic tension. This beginning clearly makes you want to see what happens next, both to discover how Chris will continue his manipulation and to know when his entire structure will collapse. If the rest of the series lives up to this first episode, A Devoted Friend could well become one of the most striking psychological thrillers of recent years. I can only recommend that you immerse yourself in this disturbing universe, and wait, like me, impatiently for what happens next.
Note : 9/10. In short, a captivating first episode which lays the foundations for a gripping psychological thriller.
Available on max
