Macha Méril is back on screen, starring as Colette, the mother of journalist Fred Chaperot, played by Florence Pernel, in the latest episode of the popular French detective series Enquête parallèle, airing on January 4, 2025. At 84 years old, Méril draws from her impressive sixty-year career to engage audiences with her portrayal and personal insights.
This episode, titled "Un Crime Presque Parfait", sees the story unravel around Jacques Rouvert, portrayed by Éric Savin, who finds himself embroiled in tragedy after his ex-girlfriend is found dead. The tension escalates as Fred, believing Rouvert to be innocent, embarks on her own investigation, delving deep within the artistic world of ironwork, aided by her cameraman, Manu, and Gendarmerie commander Thomas Bellemin.
During promotional interviews leading up to the episode's release, Méril reflected on her rich yet complex history as both an actress and person. "I find old age to be extraordinary," she stated. "If we're healthy, which I am, it's when we know ourselves best. Old age is not about decline; it's about enrichment. It's unfortunate how little films portray this reality. People seem to think no one wants to see older faces on the screen, but I disagree. Many women I know over 80 are incredibly active and vibrant."
Méril's optimism extends beyond just her approach to aging. When discussing regrets—something she puts light-heartedly as minimal—she confessed, "It has happened twice where I was offered films, like 'Les Mariés de l’an II' and 'La vie et rien d'autre', but I lost those roles to Marlène Jobert and Sabine Azéma. I'm not 'bankable' but I don’t let it trouble me. Life is too short to dwell on what we cannot control." She acknowledged the struggles she faced during her life, including the impact of François Truffaut's infamous behavior on set, stating, "He didn’t always behave well, even very badly! Women of my generation suffered silently, but I find the #MeToo movement magnificent. It’s only the beginning, I believe."
Her life experiences are not limited to the film industry; they are deeply personal as well. Macha opened up about her past, sharing, "Like many young girls of my time, I had to undergo a late abortion at 16. Hence, I could never have children. It is one of the tragedies of my life but I had other duties; it simply was not my destiny." Despite these trials, her spirit remains untarnished, and she encourages others to embrace their realities with grace.
Attracted to political discussions, Méril subtly pointed out how she would have enjoyed being involved in diplomacy if she hadn’t pursued acting. “I have always been interested in global movements,” she expressed, adding how she occasionally lends her voice to discussions on channels such as LCI, engaging with topics like Russia and Ukraine due to her Russian noble lineage.
Reflecting on her past cinematic experiences, Méril also expressed her non-conventional view of the Actors Studio. "I found it somewhat ridiculous! The methodology was too psychoanalytical for my taste. I'm from the New Wave cinema, I broke my Paramount contract without regret to return to shoot 'Adorable Menteur'." Always one to stand by her beliefs and values, she retains her winning personality and perspective—finding humor even when discussing serious topics.
Looking toward the future, Macha dreams of creating her own film focusing on aging, titled "Et Voilà!" which will tell the story of a woman liberatively overcoming the confines of life within an elder care facility. "Perhaps, this will be my last fight," she said, underscoring her commitment to inspire and enlighten through storytelling.