On February 21, 2025, France 2 will premiere its latest police comedy telefilm, "Haute Saison," set against the stunning backdrop of Biarritz. Introducing Vinnie Dargaud as Alex, the film weaves humor and crime drama as Alex, originally from Paris, relocates to the Basque coast for the summer. Despite his upbeat demeanor and love for sun-soaked beach days, Alex harbors a hidden agenda: he aims to investigate the unsolved murder of his younger brother.
"Haute Saison" presents viewers with Alex's escapades alongside his quirky team of police from various corners of France. This motley crew includes Joséphine Draï, Jean-François Cayrey, Paul Scarfoglio, Lily Nambininsoa, and Cécile Rebboah, each bringing unique dynamics to the group. Their diverse personalities shine through, emphasizing the film's distinctive approach to the familiar police genre.
Vinnie Dargaud, known for his work on "Scènes de Ménages" and "Clem," describes his character as "a bright, humorous, and warm character who loves the good things, the sun... He’s truly an epicurean!" His character, Alex, dives headfirst not just to solve crimes but to forge strong bonds with his colleagues. "We bet here on the difference of the characters' personalities and on the ties they will weave among themselves," Dargaud reflects on the film’s unique angle, adding, "It's like having our own version of the Guardians of the Galaxy!"
Despite the light-hearted premise, the film tackles serious themes, including personal loss and justice. Interspersed with moments of levity, hilarious misadventures, and stunning coastal scenery, the narrative is anchored by the haunting quest for closure driven by Alex. Alongside his team, the playful antics of the summer police force lead them through beach parties and karaoke nights, all juxtaposed against the investigation of suspicious rental schemes tied to murders.
The evolution of the characters throughout the film reveals how bond-building amid the not-so-glamorous parts of police work can lead to unexpected camaraderie. "Haute Saison" stands out with its motives enhancing the characters' story arcs, where humor meets the pressing need to solve mysteries. The writing team, led by Clément Michel, manages to blend tension with laugh-out-loud comedy effectively, as detailed locations highlight Biarritz’s summer charm.
Filming occurred during the off-peak season between September 23 and October 18, 2024, ensuring the lovely vistas of the region were captured beautifully. The weather turned chaotic at times, affecting the shooting schedule, yet Dargaud noted the team maintained their spirit: "We shot during the low season, and it didn’t rain every day!" He humorously acknowledged the challenges the cast faced, especially when tasked with filming aquatic scenes, stating, "There was one day when I spent two hours stuck surfing rough waves!"
The casting choices for "Haute Saison" have sparked conversations about potential sequels or even series spinoffs. Dargaud conveyed optimism about the project's future: "The channel likes the project, the production team is ready to jump on it; we hope everything aligns for another booking, whether as sequels or as part of the series lineup. It depends on how the audience receives this film as well!"
The telefilm embodies the spirit of summer vibrancy alongside real motives for engaging storytelling, where surfboards and crime-solving intersect for unique entertainment. With elements promising a softer approach to the standard crime drama, "Haute Saison" appears poised to captivate audiences, making it more than just another summer cop show.
"I can't wait for audiences to embrace this project!" Dargaud emphasizes, "and even if our police force dynamics feel genre-typical, we genuinely believe we’ve created something charming and vibrant!" The blend of humor, crime, and beach life delivers both escapades and emotional depth, asserting potential for much more from this ensemble cast.
Viewers can tune in at 21:10 on February 21, 2025, to experience the unique allure of "Haute Saison," where sun, sea, and suspense converge for one thrilling summer adventure!