Available from October 13 on CANAL+, “The Staircase” adapts the French mini-series “Soupçons” on the Michael Peterson case, accused of the murder of his wife. In the first role, Colin Firth is striking.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?
The series traces the case of Michael Peterson, a detective novelist accused of killing his wife Kathleen, and the 16-year long legal battle that followed.
The Staircase, a series created and directed by Antonio Campos.
FAMILY IN TURMOIL
In 2004, the French filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade is interested in a fascinating American case, that of the novelist Michael Peterson, convicted of the murder of his wife, Kathleen Peterson, whose body was found bleeding at the foot of the stairs. from his house.
The documentary series The Staircase is a great success and even has 5 additional episodes – 2 in 2013 and 3 more in 2018. Five years later, an American series arrives.
Carried by an international distribution, the series created by Antonio Campos – who directs 6 of the 8 episodes – retraces this affair in detail. She even includes the documentary team in her story – the French creator has also openly criticized the image that the series sends back of his work.
HBO Max/CANAL+ Image from the series “The Staircase”.
The first episode of The Staircase begins on December 9, 2001, the evening of Kathleen Peterson’s death. A long sequence shot plunges the viewer into the horror of the situation. This successful opening allows the series to establish a heavy atmosphere that will be held until the last second of the episode.
The sequel follows the course of the case, develops the complex bonds of this blended family, while returning, thanks to flashbacks, to the history of the Peterson couple.
In the role of the husband designated guilty, Colin Firth signs an impeccable interpretation. Facing him, Toni Collette is not outdone in the guise of his wife Kathleen Peterson. Alongside them, Sophie Turner, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Dane Dehaan, Michael Stuhlbarg, Parker Posey, Rosemarie DeWitt and Juliette Binoche complete the cast.
The Staircase, from October 13 on CANAL+ and available on myCANAL.