The BBC has secured the rights to the gripping French crime thriller “Sambre – Anatomy of a Crime,” based on true events. The six-part series, directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, delves into the extraordinary legal case of a serial rapist who terrorised women over three decades in Northern France. Here are the key details:
- Plot Summary: In the late 1980s, a series of sexual assaults occur along the same road by the Sambre river. Despite the attacks following a similar pattern, the police struggle to connect the cases. Overwhelmed by accumulating incidents, the justice system fails to apprehend the perpetrator. It takes 30 years to catch the man responsible for at least 54 cases of rape or sexual assault. The series follows the investigation’s progression, spanning from the ’80s to 2018 and the emergence of the #MeToo movement.
- Cast: The ensemble cast includes Alix Poisson, Clémence Poesy, Olivier Gourmet, Noémie Lvovsky, Jonathan Turnbull, and Pauline Parigot.
- Unique Perspective: Each episode is narrated from the viewpoint of a different character involved in the case: a victim, the judge, the mayor, the scientist, the police officer, and finally, the perpetrator. This approach provides a gripping examination of societal flaws and institutional challenges.
- Director and Creators: Jean-Xavier De Lestrade, known for “The Staircase” and “Murder on a Sunday Morning,” directs the series. It was written and created by Alice Géraud and Marc Herpoux, based on Alice Géraud’s investigation.
- Production Details: “Sambre – Anatomy of a Crime” is produced by What’s Up Films and Federation Studios in coproduction with Versus Production. It was originally commissioned by France Télévisions.
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, describes the series as an absorbing exploration of France’s most notorious sexual predator and the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice for decades.
The acquisition of “Sambre – Anatomy of a Crime” adds another compelling title to the BBC’s lineup, promising viewers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience. The series will be available on BBC iPlayer and TV channels, offering audiences a chance to delve into this chilling true story.
