Disney+ continues to explore contemporary issues with its latest series, *Les Enfants sont rois*, launching October 23. This gripping thriller, loosely based on Delphine de Vigan’s novel, follows the investigation of a kidnapped child influencer, Kimmy Schmidt. As detective Sara Roussel delves into the family’s secrets, the story reveals the dark side of fame and overexposure. With strong performances from Géraldine Nakache and Doria Tillier, the six-episode series promises suspense and drama.
Since its debut in France in 2020, Disney+ has consistently aimed to deliver original series that address relevant and contemporary issues. With the release of Les Enfants sont rois on Wednesday, October 23, the platform continues this trend by exploring the controversial topic of child influencers.
The rise of social media platforms, particularly YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, has fueled the popularity of child influencers, leading to significant concerns regarding their exposure and the commercialization of their images. This theme was previously tackled by author Delphine de Vigan in her 2021 novel Les Enfants sont rois, which has now been adapted for the screen by Disney+.
The Kidnapping of Kimmy Schmidt
The narrative kicks off when 6-year-old Kimmy Schmidt vanishes in broad daylight, sending shockwaves across France. Known for her viral videos, which were viewed by millions thanks to her mother’s daily posts, Kimmy’s abduction raises alarming questions about the risks associated with child fame.
The case falls into the hands of Sara Roussel (played by Géraldine Nakache), the head of the SDPJ Brigade, who is determined to locate Kimmy as swiftly as possible. To achieve her goal, Sara must immerse herself in a world she is unfamiliar with and delve into the intimate life of a family that has become accustomed to being in the public eye.
As the investigation unfolds, Sara forms a bond with Mélanie, Kimmy’s mother, portrayed by Doria Tillier. Through their exchanges, Mélanie begins to reveal her family’s secrets, leaving Sara questioning the true nature of the case and its leads.
A Thrilling Investigation
Written by Judith Havas and Victor Rodenbach and directed by Sébastien Marnier (known for L’Origine du mal), Les Enfants sont rois offers a loose adaptation of the original novel. While the book delves into the psychological elements of the Schmidt family saga over multiple timelines, the series takes a different approach, concentrating on the urgent investigation at hand.
The result is a suspenseful yet familiar whodunit that unfolds at a rapid pace. Over the course of six episodes, Sara navigates a maze of false leads in a race against time. As she digs deeper, the facade of the seemingly perfect family begins to crack, revealing hidden secrets that could alter everything.
Strong Performances from Doria Tillier and Géraldine Nakache
While Les Enfants sont rois presents an engaging thriller, its screenplay adheres to conventional tropes found in many French crime dramas. However, the performances of the lead actresses provide depth to the narrative.
Géraldine Nakache (from Tout ce qui brille) plays Sara, a seasoned detective battling her own demons, while Doria Tillier impressively portrays Mélanie, a mother whose quest for notoriety borders on obsession. As Mélanie becomes increasingly fixated on fame, she risks losing sight of her daughter’s childhood, treating her more like a brand than a child.
This dynamic duo, despite their apparent differences, enhances the show’s appeal and depth. With an escalating tension throughout, Les Enfants sont rois stands out as an effective thriller that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. However, it does leave some room for creativity and innovation.
Don’t miss all six episodes of Les Enfants sont rois available on Disney+ starting Wednesday, October 23.