The Last Wave

I have no idea what the story is supposed to convey. It's disjointed, overly complicated, the personal dramas of the characters are confusing (there's not enough time in each episode to explore the characters in depth so what's the point of cramming in all the extra distractions?) ... And what wave??? "The Cloud" would be a much better title. I was expecting a serialised reboot of the Peter Weir film. I didn't mind it being in French, I'm just really ticked off that I stuck with it and it gave me no joy for my effort.

This French drama is set in the seaside town of Brizan; as its inhabitants prepare for a local surfing event a strange cloud appears offshore. While many people watch from the shore others take to the water and start surfing. Then the cloud descends; when it rises there is no sign of the surfers. A search begins but they can't be found; then several hours later they return, unharmed. They have no recollection of what happened to them but it soon becomes apparent they have changed; one's eyes have changed colour and he can see things he shouldn't be able to; another can heal people and a third can breathe underwater! The cloud still lingers offshore and the population wonders what to do next.

This is a decent enough six part series. There is a good sense of mystery concerning the cause of the strange cloud and the viewer is kept wondering what will happen next. The characters are solid enough although they all seemed somewhat dysfunctional as they constantly argue and fight. One must be able to suspend one's disbelief somewhat as no outsiders, including the authorities, appear to take any interest in the strange occurrences. The effects might not be of the standard one would get in a big budget movie but they are certainly good enough for a TV series.

Overall I wouldn't say this is a must see, we've certainly been treated to better French series in recent years, but it is enjoyable enough and at only six episodes it doesn't outstay its welcome so I'd still recommend checking it out.

These comments are based on watching the series in French with English subtitles.

I enjoyed this unexpected gem. At times, the pace of the movie I found a bit slow but overall I must admit the story kept me interested. I thought the acting was fine - maybe at times overacted by some in the cast but hey, as far as TV mini series I've seen far worse. This piece managed to maintain interest, I found the various subplots interesting and unlike other reviewers, I didn't consider the inhabitants of this small coastal town boring at all. Perhaps a bit soap operaish however, I'd recommend this as great light-entertainment viewing.

Enjoyable French TV Series. It unfolds slowly. I don't mind subtitles, and a chance to freshen up my French.

I had this recorded but looking at the reviews I nearly didn't bother - (I'm French living abroad for the record) A lot of French series have left me cold, particularly The Revenants, a boring piece where every female character seems only fit to break nails or whinge on a manly man's shoulder - and this was compared unfavourably to it.

Anyway I'm glad I gave it a try anyway. It's a paranormal psychological thriller, with an ecological theme I suppose. The characters are maybe a bit clichéd, but they are well developed* and evolve accordingly. Like real French people, with French lives, French concerns and problems. There is excellent suspense throughout - I'm itching to see the last two episodes. It's absolutely nothing to do with a soap like someone said. Another said it's unbelievable the whole of France wouldn't be there gawking, with social media and all, but really, what is there for the media to get excited about?? A funny cloud, such as get 3k lackadaisical likes on Facebook, and ten people missing for a few hours but found again. No, no outsider would see anything bizarre. Yet bizarre it certainly is. There's also nothing wrong with any of the acting. Some people just can't cope with subtitles or anything different. It's the "act like real people" school of series, and they are believable as real people. And the lead actor is excellent.

*through the nature of the plot and what's happening, they all experience extreme changes in their lives and behaviour. This is very well done. But you'll have to watch a bit more than one episode.

Personally I highly recommend. And it's really easy viewing, don't expect boring intense intellectual stuff à la Nouvelle Vague: it's France télévision series made for family evening viewing (bear in mind there is a normal French level of sex and partial nudity: it's important to the plot anyway)

7¾