When inspiration for his second novel runs out, a young writer takes on a strange job: writing memoirs for a dying old man. But what he doesn't expect is that this memoir will take him back to a past filled with blood and forbidden love. Black Butterflies (Les Papillons noirs), a French crime series streaming on Netflix in Thailand, is a journey that is both gripping and thought-provoking about the nature of evil.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Adrien (Nicolas Duvauchelle), a young writer struggling to find inspiration for his second novel, gets an offer from a publisher to write the memoirs of Albert (Niels Arestrup), a man in his 70s suffering from a terminal illness. Albert wants to leave his life story before he dies, but it turns out his tale is filled with crime, forbidden love, and a series of murders that took place 40 years ago. The deeper Adrien digs, the more he discovers that Albert and Solange (Alyzée Costes), the woman he loved, committed several shocking murders together, driven by motives more complex than they seem. The series alternates between past and present, gradually revealing how this twisted love blossomed into death.
Acting and Characters
Niels Arestrup as the elderly Albert creates a tense and formidable presence; his eyes convey a complex story of love, regret, and madness. Meanwhile, Axel Granberger, who plays young Albert, convincingly portrays passion and determination. On the female side, Alyzée Costes as Solange, a beautiful woman who seems innocent but hides mystery, is a character that makes the audience question the roles of victim and perpetrator throughout the story. Nicolas Duvauchelle as Adrien serves as the audience's surrogate, gradually absorbing Albert's dark tale. His acting conveys uncertainty and a growing obsession that consumes his mind.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The series is directed by Bruno Merle, who creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and horrifying at the same time. The use of color, especially alternating dark and warm tones, clearly distinguishes between present and past. The 1970s footage beautifully captures the charm of rural France, but is distorted by underlying violence. The score by Evgueni Galperine and Sacha Galperine powerfully drives the emotion, especially in key tense scenes.
Editorial Analysis
Black Butterflies is not just an ordinary crime series; it questions the nature of love, death, and storytelling. The series makes us think: how reliable is the truth recorded through the narrator's perspective? Is Albert a ruthless killer or just a victim? The non-linear storytelling and gradual revelation of information keep the audience questioning alongside Adrien. The series also reflects how intense love can drive people to do terrible things, and how writing memoirs is both a healing and destructive process. For fans of investigative series who enjoy psychological complexity, Black Butterflies is a noteworthy work.
Verdict
For those who like investigative crime series focusing on psychology and complex storytelling, 'Black Butterflies' is a good choice. Despite a slow start, the intense acting and twisty plot will keep you watching until the end. Suitable for series fans looking for something different from the usual formula.
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👍 Pros
- +Intense acting, especially Niels Arestrup and Axel Granberger
- +Twisty plot, hard to predict, with psychological depth
- +Beautiful atmosphere and cinematography that convey emotion well
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing in the beginning, may bore some viewers
- −Some characters are underdeveloped, like Adrien's girlfriend
Top Cast
FAQ
It's about a writer hired to write memoirs for a terminally ill old man, only to discover the old man was a serial killer with his lover 40 years ago.
It has 6 episodes, complete in one season.
It is available on Netflix.
No, it's a fictional story inspired by serial killer cases in France during the 1970s.
It has violent and bloody scenes, but not horror. Suitable for viewers who like psychological crime.
