On March 27, 2025, Netflix released "De rockstar à tueur : le cas Cantat," a documentary that delves into one of the most significant criminal cases in France over the past few decades, involving the tragic death of actress Marie Trintignant at the hands of her partner, musician Bertrand Cantat. The series, consisting of three 40-minute episodes, revisits the events leading to Trintignant's death and examines the media's treatment of the case, which was often framed as a "passionate crime" rather than a clear instance of femicide.
The story begins in the early hours of July 27, 2003, when Marie Trintignant was brutally beaten by Cantat in a hotel room in Vilnius, Lithuania. Reports indicate that she suffered 19 violent blows to the face before slipping into a coma. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries six days later, on August 1, 2003. Cantat was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2004 but served only four years before being released. This case marked a turning point in France's perception of domestic violence, as it highlighted the often-dismissive language used in media narratives surrounding such tragedies.
The documentary features a wealth of archival footage, including Cantat's filmed interrogation, and presents testimonies from both Trintignant's family and Cantat's supporters. One notable voice is that of Pascal Nègre, the former CEO of Universal Music, who continues to defend Cantat, insisting that the incident was an accident. In stark contrast, relatives of Trintignant, such as drummer Richard Kolinka and singer Lio, provide poignant accounts of their loss and the devastating impact of violence against women.
Social media reactions to the documentary have been mixed. Some viewers praised it for shedding light on a significant case of femicide, with one user on Instagram stating, "Bravo for this poignant documentary that brings reality to the forefront! There have been so many years of complacency and lies..." Others, however, criticized the decision to revisit such a painful episode, accusing the filmmakers of sensationalism. One user on X expressed, "Always the same team to pursue, to destroy, but also to make money. The law of retaliation. Cantat = talent."
Directors Nicolas Lartigue and Anne-Sophie Jahn emphasize that the documentary aims to do more than recount a tragic story. They seek to interrogate collective memory and raise awareness about violence against women. Jahn notes that the case illustrates evolving societal attitudes; while the term "accident" was commonly used in the past, today it is more appropriate to discuss such incidents as femicides. "It is dangerous to say 'it's the times, things have changed.' But times have not changed at all. There are evolutions; we no longer speak of 'passionate crime' but of femicide, but that is not enough," she states.
The documentary also addresses the tragic suicide of Krisztina Rády, Cantat's ex-partner, in 2010, which underscores the lasting effects of domestic violence. Rády, who was the mother of Cantat's children, reportedly struggled with the aftermath of their tumultuous relationship and had reached out for help shortly before her death. The filmmakers present a haunting narrative that reveals a disturbing pattern of emotional and physical abuse.
In the wake of Trintignant's death, the media often portrayed Cantat as a tragic figure, a rock star who had fallen from grace. This narrative was perpetuated by the public's idolization of him, despite the horrific nature of his actions. Jahn argues that society collectively refused to acknowledge that a man celebrated for his artistic contributions could also be a perpetrator of violence. "It took decades to accept that this man, who was an idol, was in reality a killer," she asserts. "We refuse to see that, as a society."
As the documentary unfolds, it meticulously dissects the events leading up to Trintignant's death, including Cantat's obsessive behavior during their relationship. Witnesses recount how he inundated her with messages while she was filming, displaying signs of extreme jealousy. The documentary reveals the chilling details of that fateful night, where a seemingly minor dispute escalated into violence.
Medical reports from the autopsy detail the extent of Trintignant's injuries, with experts confirming that the level of violence she endured was far beyond what could be classified as an accident. Cantat's claim of a "black rage" during the altercation is scrutinized, as the evidence points to a calculated and brutal act of violence.
The documentary's third episode shifts focus to the aftermath of the tragedy, exploring how Cantat's continued public presence and attempts to revive his music career have been met with controversy. Many question whether he should be allowed to perform again after serving his sentence, igniting a broader debate about redemption and accountability in cases of domestic violence.
Ultimately, "De rockstar à tueur : le cas Cantat" serves as a critical examination of the societal attitudes towards domestic violence and the complexities surrounding the narratives we construct about perpetrators and victims. The series aims to challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about love, violence, and the ongoing struggle for justice for victims of femicide.
As the documentary reminds us, silence can be deadly. The voices of those who have suffered must not be overlooked, and the importance of speaking out against violence remains paramount. With its release, Netflix provides a platform for a conversation that continues to resonate deeply within French society and beyond.
