La dernière vague

I am now waiting for the last two instalments, but straight from the first episode, it looked to have a very familiar to feel to it, and I rapidly developed a feeling that this was French TV's answer to the US series, "LOST", with both series being riddled with the inexplicable. Both series even have their own mysterious clouds, though in Lost, it was more like black smoke.

Of course, unlike Lost, this is not set on a desert island, but what looks like the South of France. That tends to make me raise questions, such as why are there no old or fat people to be seen.?

And then there is a plot line that if true, would have the whole town besieged with the world's media. yet there is no media presence at all. The unlikely events that take place, include a lighthouse being moved from offshore to a mile inland. If that can't get a few TV cameras interested, then nothing can, and yet there is no media. Where are the Politicians from Central Government, who you might normally expect to be giving unhelpful interviews?

The whole story lacks the infrastructure that one might expect if such an event ever were to happen.

Reverting back to my comparison with Lost, that was a series that I enjoyed for about the first five seasons, and I looked forward to all the mysterious events being explained. But as it continued, I got to the stage where I lost interest, and can't even be bothered to find out what happened. With that in mind, if the series ends and I have to wait for season two (3? 4? 5? 6? etc), I won't bother. The comparison is that both series are highly implausible and so you want to see the final episode to make sense of it. But I am not that interested that I am going to wait years for an explanation.

This French drama is set in the seaside town of Brizan; as its inhabitants prepare for a local surfing event a strange cloud appears offshore. While many people watch from the shore others take to the water and start surfing. Then the cloud descends; when it rises there is no sign of the surfers. A search begins but they can't be found; then several hours later they return, unharmed. They have no recollection of what happened to them but it soon becomes apparent they have changed; one's eyes have changed colour and he can see things he shouldn't be able to; another can heal people and a third can breathe underwater! The cloud still lingers offshore and the population wonders what to do next.

This is a decent enough six part series. There is a good sense of mystery concerning the cause of the strange cloud and the viewer is kept wondering what will happen next. The characters are solid enough although they all seemed somewhat dysfunctional as they constantly argue and fight. One must be able to suspend one's disbelief somewhat as no outsiders, including the authorities, appear to take any interest in the strange occurrences. The effects might not be of the standard one would get in a big budget movie but they are certainly good enough for a TV series.

Overall I wouldn't say this is a must see, we've certainly been treated to better French series in recent years, but it is enjoyable enough and at only six episodes it doesn't outstay its welcome so I'd still recommend checking it out.

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

There is no use watching one episode and rubbishing it as at least 3 of the "reviewers" have done.

This show is a bit slow at times and some of the acting isn't perfect and can be a bit tedious, but in the end it is a good story. Maybe it is not up to the standard of Les Revenants, but it is still worth persevering and watching it to the end.

The idea behind the story is not new, humans are stuffing with nature all the time, nature is striking back and there have to be sacrifices.

I like French shows, they are simple straight forward and entertaining, this one is no exception.

If you get it, you will like it, if you don't, sorry but you are better off watching Hollywood bang bangs and writing 1 star reviews.

7/10 for me, and I would probably watch it again.

I enjoyed this unexpected gem. At times, the pace of the movie I found a bit slow but overall I must admit the story kept me interested. I thought the acting was fine - maybe at times overacted by some in the cast but hey, as far as TV mini series I've seen far worse. This piece managed to maintain interest, I found the various subplots interesting and unlike other reviewers, I didn't consider the inhabitants of this small coastal town boring at all. Perhaps a bit soap operaish however, I'd recommend this as great light-entertainment viewing.

This is by no measure essential viewing. However, it is an easy and quite compelling watch. There's a bit of an different scenario going on but the easy for themselves by not explaining anything and definitely not giving any answers so the narrative just goes along at it's own pace and without the obstacle of having to have any final revelation or resolution.

But, if you are looking for an Eco-warning drama that is not to taxing yet keeps you interested in it's little intricacies then this is for you. The characters are a little wooden and their portrayal not always the most natural but in a series that is not meant to be realistic I don't suppose that matters.

Six episodes, well produced, that will just about keep your interest... dive in