Les papillons noirs (2022) User Reviews

Black Butterflies

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 18 October 2022]

This French series is set in two time periods. In the present author Adrien Winckler is interviewing Albert Desiderio, an elderly man. Albert is telling him the story of himself and a woman named Solange, mostly in the 1970s. We see their story through a series of flashbacks which are intertwined with Adrien's life in the present. It starts off as a love story but after an incident on a beach Solange kills a man who is attacking her and Albert kills the only witness. From then on their story is one of murder. Adrien starts writing the story and it is considered some of his best work in ages, but his life is starting to unravel.

I thought this was a really gripping series; it started nicely enough with Albert telling his story that could have turned out to be an innocent romance. When things get violent it soon becomes apparent that Albert's story will be twisted and at times disturbing. There is plenty of fairly gory murder but it is the scenes of a back street abortion that are the most disturbing even though none of the procedure is really shown; just the sight of a needle and much screaming. As the end approaches there are plenty of twist; these are not too obvious. The acting is impressive throughout. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to those wanting a solid unpredictable drama.

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

Stunning

[Oracle-of-Delphi · 8/10 · 17 October 2022]

As a writer, I have to say that this series was incredibly well crafted. I knew the basic plot, but the twists that were thrown in were powerful enough to cause whiplash. Only two of the twists were a bit predictable, but other than that the story kept me guessing.......just as Adrien's editor said, "Where is this going?!" I stayed up until 4:00 am to find out the answer that question and was amazed by the ending. It is a story that will most likely stick with me for days.....not only because of the writing, but the imagery too was unforgettable too. The majority of the series is shot with a vintage look, reminiscent of the film that would've been used during the 1970s and it works well. I felt like I was transported back in time, while watching the story unfold. There are scenes of Adrien listening to a recording in an art gallery, while sitting in an art installation. The scene is absolutely mesmerizing and really intensifies the words in the recording, which are pivotal to the story. The acting was also really well done.....kudos to the actors who played Albert, Adrien, Solange, and Adrien's mother. This is definitely a must watch! Another impressive French hit!

The haunting beauty of a black butterfly...

[DukeEman · 8/10 · 16 October 2022]

An intriguing premise that unravels slowly, creeping up on you with the many shrouded mysterious elements that one hopes will all fall into place in this artful French version of Natural Born Killers (without the media sensationalization).

To add to the mystic is a one-time successful author with writer's block as the pressures mount for his next book. Landing on the writer's lap is a story offered by an elderly man of guilt, Albert (effective portrayal from Niels Arestrup), who tells of his secret violent life in being part of a serial killing couple that had a strange fetish! To add to the thrills, a police officer has all his life been on the hunt, and is getting closer.

What draws the viewer in is the sense that there may be a similarity between author and subject. How this affects the author, and will he spiral out of control, creating turmoil and afflicted memory pains. It becomes more addictive with each episode as more characters are thrown into this twisted cocktail.

These elements has ones interest, as does the cinematic style of storytelling that is at sometimes refreshing compared to the many overblown budget TV series's at present. The "present-scenes" are dark and moody, while the "past-scenes" (revealing the murders) play out like a bad hip 70's French film, reminiscent of Chabrol, Vadim and Clément all rolled into one.

Not for all tastes with the dark undertones, but still worth the watch if you want to be morally challenged and enjoy the twists and turns of a good psychological mystery thriller.

Best in European cinema

[JohnM63 · 10/10 · 29 October 2022]

By far one of the best series I've seen in a long time with a strong European character. Essentially this a simple story about a old man who wants to have his life story written by a writer.

As the story unfolds it turns out to be horrible and full of death and destruction. As time goes by more and more becomes clear but the plot is only fully complete in the last scene of the last episode (be patient when the credits of the final episode appear on you screen).

The way this story develops is highly intelligent with flashbacks interchanging with currents events without leading to confusing. Cinematography and film techniques are excellent and support the way the story unfolds.

Acting is good, no exceptions, as are the dialogues. I cannot find anything against this series. Definitely recommended for those who love intriguing stories that are well told. If you do, look in original French with subtitles if needed.

Very clever well thought out Series - A French original with English Audio on Netflix!

[wmusiwa · 10/10 · 16 October 2022]

A very clever thought provoking series with many twists and turns all the way to the end! BRAVO! I had to rewind a couple of times to get a grasp on the story, well worth the six episodes 10/10! When you get through the first episode it appears that it may a straight forward plot but this series surprised me and kept on bringing in the surprises up until the very end. I don't want to say anymore otherwise it might bring in spoilers just watch it. It is an original drama mystery in French but for me I watched it in English audio on Netflix and just so you know there's other audio languages available, well done writers and producers!

Not the best

[gallagherkellie · 6/10 · 12 November 2022]

Confused by the high ratings and amazing reviews to be honest. The acting was well done. The story started off great, and even though there were difficult topics and scenes to watch I was gripped and wanted to see how it ended. After episode 3 it went downhill for me. I saw all of the twists coming. And there were a lot of them! We probably didn't need the police side of it, it added too many storylines.

It was also a little unbelievable and far fetched at times. Which isn't the worst thing in the world as it is tv but I'm still a bit confused about a couple of the plot holes.

The ending wasn't amazing, but it was a decent show and 6 episodes is a good amount.

A love story of a crazy murderer.

[folk_egm · 9/10 · 15 October 2022]

The premiere of Netflix's top detective series with an original story. It's not like anything before. Brutal scenes, warp, blood splashing unceasingly. Romantic love that is even psychotic But there is a perfect reason. SEX scenes in many scenes are very intense. The story is very complicated There are many unexpected twists and turns. Can't predict the story And every scene from the first second of the story to the end has a profound meaning. Relating to all the puzzles in the story So much so that I had to go back and watch it again to capture the details that were overlooked in the first place again. There are hardly any series that can do this before on Netflix. I guarantee you don't miss it!

Far fetched

[laduqesa · 6/10 · 11 November 2022]

But far fetched doesn't necessarily mean bad. I watched this over two days and certainly wanted to get to the end to find out what the final twist would be - and it was certain that there would be one.

I had a couple of reservations about one or two incidents. The cloud of insects enveloping Adrien's car was an unnecessary distraction. A couple of the supernatural coincidences were out of place too such as the butterfly coming to life off the dashboard.

Apart from this, the story was a fascinating one and I loved the way the two different eras were filmed - today in almost Scandi-noir hues and the past like a technicolour film. The opening credits were a great hommage to the series of the seventies.

That horrendous events were being recounted in such a matter of fact way added to the drama of the unfolding story. The twists and turns were dazzling and the side story of the abandoned baby added to the piquancy of the horror. Who better to have an obsession with the culprits?

There won't be a second series as far as I understand and it would be hard to imagine how to carry things on as it looks like everyone would have come to a satisfyingly chilling end in one way or another, optimistic or pessimistic.

I'm not going to go overboard and give loads of stars but this is a definite recommend.

Fascinating although end was....

[sturt39 · 8/10 · 11 December 2022]

Disappointing! This series was well written and beautifully acted. Usually don't like stories told in different timelines but this one was done well and meshed together . The subject matter is dark, haunting, and twisted..some scenes difficult to watch.

One reviewer mentioned switching the lead actress mid series, I think this was done to show the contrast between the "two Solanges". In the first version of Solange, the actress appears vulnerable and easily manipulated... she looks so innocent..she matched the image of the story told by Albert as promised to "Catherine". The second actress who played the reality version of Solange was attractive but had a much more hardened look to her and it was easier to imagine her as a sociopathic killer.

I would have given this series a higher rating but the end was a let down and far fetched, especially the scenes between Nora and Catherine. Didn't get as much closure as I would have liked.

Natural born killers

[searchanddestroy-1 · 10 December 2022]

I am not a serial killer stories specialist, but enough to know that this topic, this scheme about a novelist and a serial killer link, is not new. I know there are plenty of them; I don't remember those titles, because I have not seen them. Anyway, this series is good, in the vintage biopic fashion, with a good production design, very well built, edited, but it brings nothing much as a new material. It is easy to watch, a bit, just a bit surprising though. Because, even myself, as a new comer in this kind of scheme, I foresaw what happened. I did not get lost in this maze, I followed rather easily. Excellent cast and acting, convincing performances. A weak ending, but really realistic.

Could have been easily a 10

[walidnoshie · 6/10 · 2 February 2024]

Starts great, however starting episode 5 the script becomes filled with loose ends and unrealistic events which could have been avoided making a 10/10 great series. Unfortunately it seems it was rushed in filming and ends becoming a watchable show yet far from being great.

With such a rush in filming, the show ends becoming simply average and far from great, Netflix sponsors plenty of these rushed average shows The story ends rating 4/10 where it could have benn an easy 8 My rating is 6/10 and not less simply because the show was entertaining and I ended watching all episodes until the very end.

Very compelling highly entertaining

[sgtkirk123 · 8/10 · 17 October 2022]

Don't often write reviews but this one really moved me. So many twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat. I tried very hard not to binge watch, but ended up watching it over two days. Congratulations to the writer, what a thoroughly excellent story, one of those series that I will remember for years to come. The only improvement would have been if they could have told the story of one particular character, who had a tragic existence from beginning to end, dying a horrible death. Trying not to spoil it but if you watch it you will know exactly what I mean. Even though its fiction, you feel this individual deserved a better story, an expansion of his character, or at least a happy ending, and it leaves you feeling a bit sad and cheated. Excellent Story overall.

One major error is an otherwise great series

[cobar53 · 7/10 · 20 November 2022]

I would love to give this series a higher rating but when a series changes lead actress near the end of a series one has a catastrophe. I have no idea what the reason was but no matter how skilled the other members of the cast and writers, this cannot be overlooked.

On the brighter side, the story is skillfully crafted and the acting and cinematography are beyond the average.

I really liked how the filming techniques evolved through the four decades portrayed in the six episodes.

I did not like the continued (and now anti-social) smoking. In an anti-smoking era, this is not acceptable and unnecessary.

A good series that could have been a great series.

The past that returns

[danybur · 5/10 · 4 January 2023]

Summary

Thriller that presents a script with a certain ingenuity and some weaknesses that transforms the story into a gruesome soap opera that, however, fails to generate interest in its protagonist and most of her characters.

Review

An old man named Albert (Niels Arestrup) hires Adrien, a ghostwriter (undaunted Nicolas Duvauchelle) to write a novel based on his memoirs. Shortly after beginning the story for him, he communicates terrible revelations.

The Black Butterflies is a French miniseries with some successes overshadowed by its flaws. It is a story that plays with point of view and credibility, initially focused on the main writer. When playing with the point of view, the facts (and their appearance) perceived by Adrien and by the viewer are questioned and modified. The limits between fiction and reality are also put into play for the reader when there are memories involved, because how much truth is there in a novel that could be autobiographical or autofiction? All interesting aspects and already treated in many movies and series.

On the one hand, there is Albert's account of his youth and his relationship with his partner Solange in the 1970s, but perceived through Adrien's gaze: a past in vivid tones close to the stereotype and to the video clip In various ways, the script knows how not to repeat itself with these constant flashbacks and opportunely change (or enrich) the axes of the story, even giving rise to a very interesting turn related, precisely, to the gaze. But at the same time, the story is transformed into a true and black soap opera as that past establishes ties with the present, in a story that boasts quite gruesome scenes. At times the dispersion resents the story until the ends more or less unite again.

But the big problem with the series is that dispersion and, more than anything, the painting of most of its characters except one (I won't say which one): it is very difficult to empathize with them, especially with the protagonist (a rather dark and unpleasant character ) and understand some of their decisions and actions, guided more by the needs of the script, even putting the credibility of the whole story at stake.

Excellent thriller with lots of twists-Go for it!

[bingewatchersclub · 8/10 · 16 October 2022]

Drop everything and watch Bleck Butterflies, the new French series on Netflix.

It goes from good to brilliant to one of the most satisfying thrillers.

If you liked La Mante or The Witnesses or The Promise and the likes, this is for you.

Or Mindhunter Dahmer or any of these genre this is one of the best you will ever watch.

The twists keep coming and you will be glued to the screen. It looks a bit like The Serpent another thriller on Netflix but this is not a true story and different to that. The acting is top notch the background music is brilliant and the 70s set pieces and locations are a treat to watch aesthetically,

Compelling and well written

[virgiliobelenjr · 9/10 · 16 October 2022]

Engaging and well-written. This was a different flavor of a love story that is realistic in a way, which I loved the most. The characters played their parts well. Was hooked on the young version of Solange and Albert. Indeed it was almost a fictional confession which was not justified on the earlier part of the episodes though some of it were predictable. The Carrell part was a bit hanging and could have been elaborated more but it might be too much to be concise on the 6 episodes. I appreciate that the series was straightforward and focused on the main characters. The actor who played Adrian was convincing and brooding which was exactly what I want for the role. I hope netflix would add more to this genre.

One of the best

[drhendawy · 9/10 · 26 October 2022]

The story is really perfectly written with attention to every and each character to give us a heavy meal of convincing thriller and mystery.

You can't pass single minute of the series Becouse the it has a lot to tell and the surprises never stop till the end of the series The actors abd actress played their roles in unbelievable way that makes you feel it's true not just a play.

Even the make up for each character was perfect to convince you it's the same person either when he was a child , youth or even old.

The Director did a great job to keep all the story aspect in his hand and he never lose the control till the end.

Probably not going to be on the Hallmark Channel

[d-papadakis · 9/10 · 27 November 2022]

I enjoyed this series from the very beginning, who starts a series with a closeup of a bowl of Fruit Loops?

And it gets way better from there. The entire story fits together even though you can't guess what will happen next.

Best of all the difference between current time and flashback is very easy to follow compared to some series I have watched recently. This series has the added plus of the actors playing the young characters look like the actors playing aged character.

Credit good editing, unusually good casting, attention to detail. The premise of the story was original. It was a story nested in a story but much more.

The music is pretty goofy, and it is way violent.

This movie is a killer

[boomeran · 10/10 · 27 September 2022]

One of the best pieces of cinema I've seen in a long while. It made me want to start writing fiction, to be creative, I imagined myself writing concrete scenes, while I was watching the series.

It has mood(s), it has atmosphere, it creates worlds, it flows in harmony, the actors are pure joy to watch (oh Niels, vous êtes merveilleux!), the soundtrack is great...Above all, it makes you think, while blowing your mind, but it also keeps the liberty to stay free, as a work of art.

Oh, and it also checks the standard feat of a great story: it makes you identify with it. It's a killer movie, the most complex entertainment one could get.

Disappointing

[Tom-633 · 5/10 · 22 October 2022]

A promising start, a good run, but a very bad ending. Why? Because they take the viewer as stupid, with implausible to believe things/scenes and over-explaining what is understood, as if whoever was on the other side of the screen had limited capabilities. Another tv show, of the many, that ends up becoming a bland little novel.

I don't understand why, if they are making a TV show, for adults, with strong scenes of murder, rape and sex, they end up telling the story as if the viewers were children who need the stories to be chewed beforehand so that they can understand them. And assimilate them.

THIS IS REALLY GOOD

[StellaGibson-197-606285 · 8/10 · 15 October 2022]

I give this an 8 but truthfully I am in middle of 2nd episode. So far really, really good for a mystery thriller tv miniseries.

As always foreign films are in a class by themselves compared to American entertainment movies/tv series. There are some good ones from U. S. A. But it is not a regular happening. Most European countries have the best of the best when it comes to TV series and films.

It is a dark moody story and this is what I like. I don't care that TV mini series are realistic or not because after all this is a TV/movie which is supposed to be pure entertainment, not real life.

I like stories/plot writing that is creative and puts me in the world of what I am watching whether realistic or not. So many people complain of outlandish plots because they are not true to life. I am a person who says "who the fk cares" as long as it is good story telling and this is.

An intriguing story with interesting characters!

Great mix of mistery, romance, and complex existential questions

[stefanluciandeleanu · 10/10 · 15 October 2022]

The series talks about a struggling writer hired to write a book about a dying man's past. As the story progresses, we learn about this man's dark past, and romance story.

During the series, the mistery slowly unravels, creating more dillemas than the ones started.

I love the approach the movie had on love, and what kind of sacrifices people do because of it. We learn of people struggling with the generational fear of following in their parents disastruous footsteps, seeing Adrien going on a wrong path by not knowing of the disastruous past his parents had, unlike Carrel.

As an at-home-viewer, I can't bring justice to the quality of this series. It's deep, complex, and leaves you to ponder on society as a whole.

Great series.

Dark, light, brilliant, absolutely wonderful!

[Guanche48 · 10/10 · 17 November 2022]

It took me completely by surprise, as I don't usually watch French productions.

It had been a long time since I scored something with the maximum, 10 stars!!

The story told in the present evolves in flashbacks during the 70s that are very well done and veeery exciting, is also very well written and edited.

The atmosphere of the 70s makes you breathe differently, partly because of the tension and partly because of the love and color of the scenes.

This series is pure art!

Really entertaining and full of tense and unexpected moments, and very interesting dialogues!. From the wonderful music, to the photography, the clothes, the story, the crime, the tension, the originality... what else can I say? It has left me speechless!

It is absolutely fascinating in every way and the actors are really very good.!!!

Strong, tense and criminal too.

A MUST SEE for fans of good cinema,strong stories of crime, blood, death, passion and with many unexpected turns.

Great series highly recommended

[jlekieffre · 9/10 · 10 February 2023]

Great acting, great twists, great story, nothing to add to that. However I was bit baffled by the sub-plot of the copper... this could have been developed a bit more, as as it is now, this guy chasing 50-year old murders does not make much sense.

Also for those wondering about the Solange actress swap, well, clearly it's because the first "Solange" is a creation of Adrien's mind; it is said at the beginning, Albert does not have any photo of her so what she looks like is left to Adrien's imagination. Later on, when who Solange really is is revealed, it is then possible to put a proper face on the character. So it's no mistake or fault!

Forget murder... it's a story about fatherhood.

[gail-coultish · 9/10 · 7 November 2022]

This is my first review, despite being an avid imdb follower for 15+ years. This screenplay is excellent, the aim of every word spoken drives the story forward whilst revealing the (thankfully) multi dimensional characters. Other reviews have failed to spot the core theme throughout this series, which is one of fatherhood or more importantly, the absence thereof and the detrimental affect this has on each of the characters throughout the generational family tree. Not surprisingly, the absence of a father has been a fundamental topic of discussion among child psychologists and criminologists for decades. All the while in the present day, the protagonist Adrien, feels under pressure to conceive with his girlfriend Nora. Many sentences spoken by the characters are often musings by the writers, a meta analysis of what is occurring whilst the story is still in play which is a very clever way to reach out to the audience and draw them in closer. Even radio/television commentary played in-scene hints at what the writers wish to convey, so listen carefully. Faultless acting by all, interesting camerawork and a great use of the soundtrack, particularly Varmints and Hamza. Thoroughly impressed!