Die schwarzen Schmetterlinge

This French series is set in two time periods. In the present author Adrien Winckler is interviewing Albert Desiderio, an elderly man. Albert is telling him the story of himself and a woman named Solange, mostly in the 1970s. We see their story through a series of flashbacks which are intertwined with Adrien's life in the present. It starts off as a love story but after an incident on a beach Solange kills a man who is attacking her and Albert kills the only witness. From then on their story is one of murder. Adrien starts writing the story and it is considered some of his best work in ages, but his life is starting to unravel.

I thought this was a really gripping series; it started nicely enough with Albert telling his story that could have turned out to be an innocent romance. When things get violent it soon becomes apparent that Albert's story will be twisted and at times disturbing. There is plenty of fairly gory murder but it is the scenes of a back street abortion that are the most disturbing even though none of the procedure is really shown; just the sight of a needle and much screaming. As the end approaches there are plenty of twist; these are not too obvious. The acting is impressive throughout. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to those wanting a solid unpredictable drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in French with English subtitles.

Engaging and well-written. This was a different flavor of a love story that is realistic in a way, which I loved the most. The characters played their parts well. Was hooked on the young version of Solange and Albert. Indeed it was almost a fictional confession which was not justified on the earlier part of the episodes though some of it were predictable. The Carrell part was a bit hanging and could have been elaborated more but it might be too much to be concise on the 6 episodes. I appreciate that the series was straightforward and focused on the main characters. The actor who played Adrian was convincing and brooding which was exactly what I want for the role. I hope netflix would add more to this genre.

As a writer, I have to say that this series was incredibly well crafted. I knew the basic plot, but the twists that were thrown in were powerful enough to cause whiplash. Only two of the twists were a bit predictable, but other than that the story kept me guessing.......just as Adrien's editor said, "Where is this going?!" I stayed up until 4:00 am to find out the answer that question and was amazed by the ending. It is a story that will most likely stick with me for days.....not only because of the writing, but the imagery too was unforgettable too. The majority of the series is shot with a vintage look, reminiscent of the film that would've been used during the 1970s and it works well. I felt like I was transported back in time, while watching the story unfold. There are scenes of Adrien listening to a recording in an art gallery, while sitting in an art installation. The scene is absolutely mesmerizing and really intensifies the words in the recording, which are pivotal to the story. The acting was also really well done.....kudos to the actors who played Albert, Adrien, Solange, and Adrien's mother. This is definitely a must watch! Another impressive French hit!

I enjoyed this series from the very beginning, who starts a series with a closeup of a bowl of Fruit Loops?

And it gets way better from there. The entire story fits together even though you can't guess what will happen next.

Best of all the difference between current time and flashback is very easy to follow compared to some series I have watched recently. This series has the added plus of the actors playing the young characters look like the actors playing aged character.

Credit good editing, unusually good casting, attention to detail. The premise of the story was original. It was a story nested in a story but much more.

The music is pretty goofy, and it is way violent.

By far one of the best series I've seen in a long time with a strong European character. Essentially this a simple story about a old man who wants to have his life story written by a writer.

As the story unfolds it turns out to be horrible and full of death and destruction. As time goes by more and more becomes clear but the plot is only fully complete in the last scene of the last episode (be patient when the credits of the final episode appear on you screen).

The way this story develops is highly intelligent with flashbacks interchanging with currents events without leading to confusing. Cinematography and film techniques are excellent and support the way the story unfolds.

Acting is good, no exceptions, as are the dialogues. I cannot find anything against this series. Definitely recommended for those who love intriguing stories that are well told. If you do, look in original French with subtitles if needed.