This new French comedy from Netflix has all the ingredients to arouse the curiosity of subscribers to the streaming platform.
The platform may well be American, but over the years Netflix has become one of the spearheads of French production, offering several new French releases each month. At the end of April, the streaming platform offers to discover a new comedy series in seven episodes which brings together all the ingredients to become a success in France, on paper at least.
As its name suggests, Fiasco tells the story of the monumental failure of a film shoot. Borrowing from the codes of “mockumentary” (mockumentaries a la The Office or Park and Recreation), the Netflix comedy series follows, in detail, a young director who finally accomplishes his dream: making a film paying homage to the resistance’s past. of his grandmother. But nothing goes as planned on this chaotic shoot and disasters keep coming. So much so that the filmmaker begins to wonder if a member of his team is not trying to sabotage his project by all means.
Fiasco fulfills its main challenge and proves to be an effective comedy. However, let's remember that the series claims to be "cringe humor", that is to say a form of humor which multiplies uncomfortable situations with the aim of provoking laughter. It's a little heavy at times, and it may not be for everyone, but some scenes remain very successful and get several laughs.
If Fiasco works, it’s mainly thanks to its actors. Pierre Niney in the lead in the role of a clumsy director who makes a series of blunders in the style of Michael Scott. The Caesar-winning actor, who we know in dramatic roles, once again reveals his mastery of rhythm and his comic power in this series. Special mention to François Civil as well, whose comedic timing and chemistry with Niney are undeniable.
It must be said that the two actors have already played opposite each other in Five, a film already directed by Igor Gotesman, who is now signing the Fiasco series. In the casting, Netflix subscribers will also recognize Géraldine Nakache, Leslie Medina, Pascal Demolon or Vincent Cassel. If the series unfortunately runs out of steam as its finale approaches, it nevertheless has all the ingredients to arouse the curiosity of Netflix subscribers: absurd situations, a top-notch cast, and a format conducive to binge-watching. The seven episodes of Fiasco, each lasting 30 to 40 minutes on average, were released on Netflix on April 30, 2024.
