The new adaptation of Cat’s Eyes by TF1, soon on Amazon Prime Video internationally, marks a bold attempt to revisit a classic of Japanese animation by offering it a resolutely Parisian setting. From the first episodes, we are immersed in a typically Parisian nighttime atmosphere, with captivating views of the Eiffel Tower that captivate the attention. Fans of the French capital, as well as international spectators, will find there an undeniable glamorous charm. However, despite this attractive setting, Cat’s Eyes struggling to keep all its promises. Indeed, several aspects of the production tarnish this first impression, raising as many points of appreciation as criticism. From the first minutes, the series is adorned with its finest attire: Paris, and more precisely the Eiffel Tower, are highlighted to evoke a mysterious and elegant atmosphere.
In 2023, in the City of Lights, Alexia, Tam and Sylia meet again after years of separation. At the same time, a work that belonged to their father who died ten years earlier in the mysterious fire of his art gallery resurfaces during a prestigious exhibition at the Eiffel Tower. They then decide to take all the risks to steal her away in the hope of finally understanding what happened to her. Very quickly, the trio finds themselves in the crosshairs of Quentin Chapuis, captain of the BRB, responsible for stopping these new thieves who continue to escape him. But he doesn't know that among them is his lifelong love, Tam…
However, this aesthetic is sometimes compromised by calibration which saturates night scenes with dark and opaque filters, sometimes giving the impression of artificial haze. You could imagine yourself in a smoky nightclub, which somewhat hampers the readability of certain action scenes. This visual choice, although consistent with the intention of immersing viewers in a mysterious universe, becomes excessive at times. If this filter adds a stamp noir wanted, it also weighs down the atmosphere and ends up making certain scenes confusing. Another point of improvement concerns sound mixing, a crucial technical aspect for an immersive experience. In this series, certain scenes almost require turning the volume up to maximum to fully understand the dialogue, which sometimes lacks clarity. This sound imbalance can quickly become annoying, because it requires constant adjustments. We sometimes find ourselves turning up the sound to hear the characters, only to be bombarded with the full force of music in the next scene.
This lack of fluidity in the sound mixing tends to distract the viewer's attention and, in a series that aims to be both elegant and engaging, these sound breaks unfortunately break the immersion. The plot follows the famous burglar sisters of Cat’s Eyesand although the basic story remains faithful to the original, we feel some weaknesses in the dialogues and the acting. Some exchanges seem artificial, and here and there we observe a lack of naturalness in the interactions. It's not so much that the actresses lack talent, but some lines of dialogue seem poorly written or too formulaic, which limits the depth of the characters. Despite everything, the dynamic between the actresses works quite well. The sister characters – modernized and typically French in their looks and character – create a believable chemistry. Despite this free adaptation which distances itself from the original material, the complicity and complementarity of the heroines allow this version to find its own tone.
The balance between action and humor remains an area for improvement in the first episodes. The omnipresent action tends to take over, leaving little room for moments of lightness which could nevertheless enrich the series. The comedy sequences are subdued, which is a shame, because a bit of humor would provide a welcome contrast to the burglary and intrigue scenes. A more nuanced approach would allow the characters to flesh out and the spectators to become more attached to them. TF1 deserves the credit for daring to venture out of its comfort zone with Cat’s Eyes. It's not every day that a French channel tackles a myth of Japanese animation, especially to recontextualize it in a setting as iconic as that of Paris. The channel strives to offer a new interpretation that retains certain iconic elements, such as the original credits, while adding a contemporary French flavor.
This ambitious and daring approach deserves praise, because it shows a desire to offer original and unpublished content. The idea of transposing Cat’s Eyes in a nocturnal and romantic Paris makes sense and reinforces the international side of the adaptation. The general aesthetic is neat, with impressive views and a desire to highlight emblematic monuments. Paris thus becomes a protagonist in its own right, reinforcing the feeling of a series made to appeal to both a French and international audience. However, behind this picture, the plot struggles to rise to the same level as the settings. The twists and turns lack originality and dynamism, sometimes using story tricks that have already been seen and worn out. The pace is a little slow, and we can feel a certain frustration with action sequences that lack nervousness. This predictable side is regrettable, because it attenuates interest in a series which could nevertheless be more thrilling.
Despite its flaws, Cat’s Eyes offers a refreshing experience for fans of French series looking for something different. The fact that TF1 took the risk of adapting a Japanese work by focusing on very French elements, both in the locations and in the personalities of the heroines, testifies to a desire to stand out. The series demonstrates originality in its attempt to modernize a classic, and the choice to maintain a part of the heritage by retaining the credits of the time is a welcome nod to nostalgic fans. In short, Cat’s Eyes is a series that deserves to be given a chance, if only to see how this adaptation will manage to develop over the episodes. For my part, I'm waiting to see how the series evolves, hoping for an improvement in the balance between action and humor, and a deepening of the characters. This imperfect adaptation is, however, appreciable for what it is: a daring attempt to reconnect with an iconic work while adding a French touch.
With its iconic images of Paris and its charming cast, Cat’s Eyes could well find its audience. The next episodes will tell if this adaptation manages to overcome its first weaknesses to offer a captivating and characterful version of these unforgettable heroines.
Note : 5/10. In short, the audacity of TF1 is to be welcomed. It's entertaining but certain flaws prevent you from fully absorbing the whole thing.
Available on TF1+ and broadcast on TF1 from Monday November 11, 2024
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