Girls Of Fire: How Good Is France 2's New Historical Series?
Starting on Monday, August 28th, France 2 is airing a historical mini-series in 6 episodes entitled "Filles du feu" (Daughters of Fire). This fiction, inspired by real events, tells the story of a witch hunt in the Basque Country in the early 17th century. We will explain why this unprecedented TV series deserves to be watched.
The story revolves around four women.
The series "Daughters of Fire" takes place in the Basque Country in the early 17th century, during the reign of Henry IV. The plot revolves around Gratianne, a woman from a long line of healing abortionists, and her daughters.
Gratianne has three very different daughters: Jeannette is a mother who wishes to lead a peaceful life, while her sister Catherine is a fiercely independent widow who runs a successful fishing business. As for the youngest, Morguy, she is nothing but innocence and purity.
She tells a fierce witch hunt.
The lives of these four women are going to be disrupted by the arrival of an emissary from the king, the sinister Judge de Lancre, sent to the region to hunt down witches.
This relentless man, horrified by the freedom and knowledge of these women, will lead one of the deadliest witch hunts in the history of France in the Basque Country. As unbelievable as it may seem today, the plot of the series Filles du feu is inspired by real events, making it even more terrifying and captivating.
To depict the events that took place in 1609, this fiction was filmed in the very region where this witch hunt occurred. The filming took place at the end of 2022 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in the natural settings of the Basque Country, as well as in the Château de Cazeneuve. This castle located in Préchac, Gironde, was the perfect backdrop for this TV series as it dates back to the 17th century and was one of King Henri IV's properties.
She is carried by very committed actors.
Another highlight of the French series "Filles du feu" lies in its cast. This historical epic is led by a talented group of actresses, starting with Angela Molina in the role of Gratianne.
The actresses who have slipped into the roles of her three daughters are Anabel Lopez as Jeannette, Lizzie Brocheré as Catherine, and Zoé Adjani as Morguy. The latter is none other than the niece of actress Isabelle Adjani.
As for actor Bruno Debrandt, well known to viewers of France Télévisions for his portrayal of Caïn on France 2 and Le Voyageur on France 3, he is perfect in the role of the sinister and uncompromising judge of Lancre.
The supporting roles are also well served by experienced actors, as we find Michèle Laroque in the role of Madame de Leoz and Guillaume de Tonquédec as the lord of Urtubie.
The writing and staging are bold.
With its rough and intriguing writing, the series "Filles du feu" will instantly capture your attention and keep you on the edge of your seat over three evenings, airing on Monday nights at 9:10 PM on France 2.
This French series, which tackles an original and important subject, also benefits from a daring mise en scène. With its numerous qualities in both form and content, this historical epic is a true success and definitely worth discovering.
The only downside is that this 6-episode TV series is not suitable for all audiences as it contains scenes that may shock young viewers.
