Stream these TV series and films for an entertaining perspective
Quebec's latest television offerings have garnered widespread acclaim, with several new series available on Crave and ICI Tou.tv. Here's a roundup of some top picks as recommended by our journalists:
Empathie (Crave)
In a profound exploration of mental health, Florence Longpré and Guillaume Lonergan's captivating creation, Empathie, has moved many viewers. This poignant, humorous, sensitive, and human work has been lauded for its blend of humor and drama. Hugo Dumas, one of our columnists, calls it a "splendid creation." The series, which follows a psychiatrist at the fictional Mont-Royal Psychiatric Institute, has earned international recognition, including the Audience Award at the Séries Mania Festival in France.
Complètement lycéé, season 3 (Crave)
The final chapter of Complètement lycéé doesn't disappoint, maintaining the series' signature wit, zaniness, and nostalgia. The numerous winks to well-known films and series like The Princess Diaries, Fight Club, Yellowjackets, and The Social Network further enhance its appeal. The cast, featuring Rosalie Vaillancourt, Pierre-Yves Roy-Desmarais, Antoine Pilon, Juliette Gosselin, and Théodore Pellerin, excels in their roles.
Aller-simple: la télé-réalité (Crave)
Hosted by Jean-Nicolas Verreault and Samian, Aller-simple: la télé-réalité is a fresh format that has potential with a bigger budget. Once the game mechanics are clearer, viewers are treated to a show that promises exciting challenges.
Libre dès maintenant (Extra from ICI Tou.tv)
The first two episodes of Libre dès maintenant exhibit some awkwardness and clichés, but from the third episode onwards, the series gains depth and warmth. The cast, which includes Étienne Galloy, Madi Chirara, Marguerite Bouchard, Maude Cyr-Deschênes, Henri Picard, and Arielle Mailloux, brings the characters to life effectively. The friendship and chosen family that bind these adults-in-the-making are particularly compelling.
C.R.A.Z.Y. (Extra from ICI Tou.tv)
Revisiting C.R.A.Z.Y. is a journey back to its captivating authenticity, thanks to the actors' performances, Ginette Magny's costumes, and Patrice Vermette's visual conception. With Marc-André Grondin, Michel Côté, and Danielle Proulx in the leading roles, this emotionally charged film is a must-watch.
BlackBerry (Extra from ICI Tou.tv)
As it draws to a close, BlackBerry remains an enjoyable film, pleasing audiences with its intelligence, humor, and sincerity. Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, and Matt Johnson deliver solid performances.
Mlle Bottine (Crave)
This new take on Mlle Bottine carries a magical ingredient - nostalgia - that has resonated with viewers. Journalist Véronique Larocque describes it as "colored with a new hue, [with] denser foliage." Antoine Bertrand, Marguerite Laurence, Mani Soleymanlou, and Marilyne Castonguay lead the skilled ensemble cast.
Dernière seconde (Illico +)
François Pagot's tense and breathless suspense, Dernière seconde, promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The cast, headed by Catherine Chabot, David Boutin, Nathalie Doummar, and Patrick Emmanuel Abellard, delivers strong performances.
Simple comme Sylvain (ICI Tou.tv)
With finely crafted dialogues filled with humor, the emotionally resonant tale of thwarted loves in Simple comme Sylvain offers a warm and relatable portrayal of the human experience. Magalie Lépine-Blondeau and Pierre-Yves Cardinal lead the engaging cast.
De Pierre en fille, season 2 (EXTRA from ICI Tou.tv)
Patrice Robitaille and Julianne Côté's shared sense of humor, which is ironic and filled with pop culture references, makes De Pierre en fille very funny and brilliant.
The Jim Novel (EXTRA from ICI Tou.tv)
Narrated by the Larrieu brothers and anchored by the remarkable performance of Karim Leklou, The Jim Novel explores a rich, emotionally charged narrative. The film shines a spotlight on an actor often relegated to supporting roles but elevates him to the forefront with remarkable economy and emotion.
Rumours (Crave)
Blending political satire with comedy horror, Rumours offers a biting critique of Western political leaders, using metaphors to criticize inaction and hypocrisy. While it doesn't paint a flattering picture of today’s leaders, it aims to make audiences laugh bitterly. With Cate Blanchett, Roy Dupuis, and Denis Ménochet in the lead roles, the film is a darkly comedic exploration of power, politics, and the human condition.
Indetectable (EXTRA from ICI Tou.tv)
While the plot of Indetectable can at times be extreme, the series maintains a gripping quality, tackling a pressing issue with conviction. The action unfolds at a rapid pace, keeping viewers invested in its six episodes.
The diverse range of French entertainment in Quebec's movies-and-tv scene includes the series 'Empathie' and 'Mlle Bottine', both available on Crave. 'Empathie', a profound exploration of mental health, has been praised for its blend of humor and drama, while 'Mlle Bottine' evokes nostalgia with a modern twist.
