Lupin is the latest hit series from Netflix, it’s French and I love it! I’m not the only one, as it is the first French series to make the Top 10 list for Netflix in the States. There is a dubbed English version which I thought sounded dreadful. I would recommend watching the original French version, assuming you don’t have any issues with subtitles!

The series is inspired by the French character Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief. He was created by the writer Maurice LeBlanc, in 1905.

The writer of the Netflix series is George Kay who has an excellent pedigree when it comes to screenwriting. He wrote another great Netflix series ‘Criminal’ and two episodes of the fabulous Killing Eve.

No spoilers here, just the briefest details! In a nutshell, as the series unfolds, we follow the main character, Assane Diop, played by Sy. We have a glimpse into Diop’s past, when his teenage life was turned upside down by the death of his father. An immigrant from Senegal, his father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit, by a wealthy Parisian family. In the present, we see an adult Assane who, inspired by ‘Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar,’ seeks to avenge his father.

Assane has a son to whom he gives a copy of the book ‘Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief’. Assane is not your average thief; he is soft hearted, possibly a bit of a Robin Hood character, particularly with those he cares about.

I’m on episode 4 out of 5 and as I’m watching with Mr FF (who doesn’t binge) we still have one episode to go. I’m pleased to say that the next five episodes are scheduled for viewing but I don’t know when.

Why am I watching Lupin?

  • It’s very entertaining – part thriller, part mystery and with comedic elements
  • It stars Omar Sy, a very talented actor, in my opinion. I have already enjoyed his films ‘Untouchable’ and ‘Samba’ to name but two.
  • Lupin reminds me of Sherlock, in the use of disguises, magic and slight of hand
  • It’s set in Paris
  • It makes a change from the many dark ‘Scandi noir’ series I often watch.
  • It helps me to maintain my French
  • It’s fun!

The trailer below is in French with English subtitles.

Have you watched Lupin or perhaps you have some other recommendations for me?