Tonight, France 2 is broadcasting the first two episodes of “Filles du feu”, a series that plunges us into the heart of the biggest witch hunt in France. Is it worth a look?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?
In 1609, in the Basque Country. Coming from a long line of abortionists-healers, three sisters see their lives endangered by the arrival of judge Pierre De Lancre in the region. Hostile and terrified of women’s freedom and knowledge, he will lead what will be one of the deadliest witch hunts in France. Plunged into a nightmare, the three sisters find themselves having to fight, each in their own way, to try to survive.
daughters of firefrom Monday August 28 at 9:10 p.m. on France 2 and in full on france.tv.
WHO IS IT WITH?
Created by Giulia Volli (Skam) and Maïté Sonnet (Brigade Mobile), the Daughters of Fire series was directed by Magaly Richard-Serrano (La fine team).
In this fiction, we find in the main roles Anabel Lopez (Week-end Family), Lizzie Brocheré (American Gigolo) and Zoé Adjani (Cigare au miel). They will lend their features to Jeannette, Catherine and Morguy, three sisters whose destiny is turned upside down by the arrival of the appalling Judge Pierre De Lancre, played by the excellent Bruno Debrandt (Cain).
To accompany them, the production also called on Marc Ruchmann (Plan coeur), Wendy Nieto (The code), Axel Mandron (ASKIP) and Tom Hudson. Finally, viewers will also have the pleasure of seeing Guillaume de Tonquédec (Do not do this, do not do that), Michèle Laroque (Happy retirement) or Angela Molina (This summer).
IS IT WORTH A LOOK?
For the start of the school year, France 2 offers to immerse us in the heart of an unknown part of the History of France.
It was thus in 1609, in the Basque Country, that one of the deadliest witch hunts in our country began. Far from the mystical image of fairy tales, we are indeed talking about women here. Those who are free. Those who are educated. Those who heal.
True symbol of emancipation and independence, they were accused of witchcraft and perished by the flames, victims of the murderous madness of a man: Pierre de Lancre. A true story as tragic as it is fascinating.
In the 17th century, when men went out to sea for several months to hunt whales, women had full power. They work, run businesses and manage daily life. An independence that does not please Pierre De Lancre, a judge and demonologist appointed by Henri IV. Cold, methodical and deeply misogynistic, the latter is determined to purify the world of witches. In total, 70 to 200 women will be tortured and then burned alive in 1609 on his order.
Freely inspired by this terrible witch hunt, Filles du feu mixes historical and romantic facts to tell us the story of Jeannette, Catherine and Morguy. Through these three characters, the series pays homage to all these women killed on the altar of religious beliefs. Combative and resilient, these heroines will have to fight for their freedom and their survival.
With a solid script, impeccable staging and sublime images of the Basque Country, Daughters of Fire has no trouble immediately carrying us away in its story. Although the rhythm can sometimes appear a little slow, the episodes scroll by arousing our desire to know if the three sisters will escape Judge De Lancre.
Anabel Lopez, Lizzie Brocheré and Zoé Adjani are perfect in the roles of Jeannette, Catherine and Morguy. Thanks to their acting, they transport us into the story of their characters with strength and emotion.
But it is Bruno Debrandt, who plays Pierre De Lancre, who attracts all the light. A role however not obvious that he endorses brilliantly. In the guise of an implacable character who multiplies the atrocities over the episodes, the actor would almost send chills down his spine as his face is so calm and impassive.
While only the writings of Judge De Lancre have remained from this period of history, the series pays tribute to these persecuted and forgotten women.
Like And the Mountain Will Bloom last year, Daughters of Fire is a mini historical summer saga that ticks all the boxes for the genre. However, its original theme makes it stand out from the crowd and should allow it to find its audience without difficulty.