Les Malvenus on France 2: How much is this psychological thriller with Jonathan Zaccai and Yannick Koirat worth?

When our neighbors make life difficult for us, it gives us Les Malvenus, a new fiction from France 2, broadcast this Wednesday at 21:10 on France 2. Directed by Sandrine Veysset (Will It Snow at Christmas?), who also wrote the screenplay with the help of Virgin Despentes, this 90-minute TV movie tells the story of a hellish coexistence between two families who are diametrically opposed living in two neighboring houses.

Intruding neighbors

For this occasion, Jonathan Zaccai, recently seen in La Tribu, and Geraldine Pailhas (OVNI(s), Bardot) take on Luc and Carole, a Parisian couple who have recently moved into a family farm.

Luc finally realizes his dream of leaving Paris and working as an engineer in heliculture (snail farming). Her partner, a yoga teacher in her spare time, accepted this life change without hesitation.

After that, the couple moved into it, which belonged to Luke, without worrying about the neighboring part, which was inherited by the brother of the latter, with whom the relationship was very strained. If they are happy living in a peaceful environment, their happiness is quickly spoiled by the arrival of new neighbors, Fred (Yannick Koirat), his wife Marissa (Sophie Guillemin) and his son Samuel (Simon Zampieri).

The newcomers we will have to deal with and live with on a daily basis… and what sounded like a new beginning for the couple will unfortunately turn into a real nightmare. A victim of a depraved cohabitation, a charming initial adventure turns into a drama.

Destructive class conflict

With Les Malvenus, Sandrine Weisset aims to highlight class conflicts through these two diametrically opposed couples. With a well-thought-out plot, the fiction offers a sophisticated thriller with a backdrop of social observation and class struggle, served up by choice casting.

Jonathan Zaccaï and Yannick Choirat are brilliant in bringing these complex characters to life. Because as Lucy tries her best to deceive, Fred’s increasingly disturbing behavior gradually undermines everyone’s efforts.

Between contempt on the part of some and aggression under the guise of humor on the part of others, the tension gradually builds between the various characters until the end result is unexpected and funny and leaves you somewhat confused.

In short, Les Malvenus is an enjoyable and charming social thriller that still suffers from plot weaknesses that will probably leave the audience with a sense of unfinished business.

find it UnwantedThis Wednesday, April 17, from 21:10 on France 2.