For APC Studios, “The Eclipse,” a procedural mystery thriller set in a rural community on France’s Plateau de Aubrac, could offer a winning formula for international buyers at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre and beyond.
The series revolves around a mystery that begins during an evening solar eclipse when 17-year-old Luca accidentally shoots his girlfriend Nour. When he leaves to seek help, the little girl disappears. Manwe and Johanna, two local policewomen, are sent on an investigation that will ultimately affect their families.
In a synopsis of the show, APC stated in its tagline: “A gripping detective story that takes us to a beautiful French countryside like we’ve never seen before. A duo of policewomen, mothers and friends turns a small community upside down.”
Emmanuelle Gilbert, APC’s CEO and founder, says the company chose the six-part series “for many reasons,” primarily because of its pedigree. For example, it was commissioned by France Télévisions and produced by Carma Films, which also produced APC’s 2017 crime thriller Mystery and the Netflix hit “The Forest.”
The fact that “The Eclipse” was from “the same producer, the same commissioner, the same genre” as “The Forest” made it an attractive deal, Gelbart says. “Because we had such a hit with “The Forest,” it was natural that we had high expectations for this one as well.”
Gilbert praised Karma Film's high production values in its series, which she said was very evident in “Eclipse.”
Its majestic setting in Aubrac, “a very specific rural area in France that is very remote and very beautiful,” also provides the series with stunning visuals and an eerie atmosphere.
Claire Kim and Anne Charrière play Joanna Croisette and Manu Vitali.
Courtesy of Eloise Legay/Karma Films/France Television
While the story features strange events during an eclipse, it also involves a classic investigation by two officers, not only colleagues but best friends. Things get more complicated when one of the officers' sons becomes a suspect.
“There's a lot of false evidence, and you can't guess who committed the crime and why,” Gilbert says.
In addition, the series revolves around the lives of teenagers in society and their very narrow circle. “Young people, you don’t really know them, even when you’re close to them, even when you’re a parent. It’s very much about their secrets.
“I also think what broadcasters will like is the fact that there are young adult characters,” Gelbart adds. “We know that broadcasters are trying to reach a younger audience, but sometimes when they make a show that’s too bold for young people, it doesn’t work because it’s too different from their regular shows. At least with this show, you have the same tone; it’s not out of place in the rest of the lineup, but at the same time, there’s a real young person’s perspective on their lives and what they’re thinking.”
She points out that the fact that “Eclipse” takes place outdoors, in a natural setting, rather than in the city, is a plus, citing viewership data that suggests younger viewers are drawn to shows that feature young adults in natural, outdoor settings. Indeed, a similar formula led to the success of “The Jungle.”
“The Eclipse” is written and produced by Cécile Lorne, Hélène Duchâteau and Baptiste Filliol, and directed by Franck Bret (“Balthazar”, “Comme mon fils”). The cast includes Anne Charrier, Claire Kim, Aymeric Fougeron, Eloise Cavoy, Justine Lacroix, Victor Poirier and Hubert Delattre.
