Serie - I Killed My Husband : Our Review

By Marianne Velma, 17 november 2021

"Appearances are much more delicious when you know the reality. This sentence pronounced by Anna, the heroine of this thriller made in 13ème Rue, in episode 2 sounds like a warning. At this point in the story, Anna is still in control of the appearances made by Manuel, her husband, but they will soon turn against her...

After the psychological huis clos (with the successful Trauma released in 2019), Henri Debeurme, the creator, wanted to explore a new genre: the thriller. The pace appears quickly enough as the strong point of J'ai tué mon mari, which dexterously connects the revelations and other reversals of situation. Sometimes, the density is such that we slightly lose the thread of verisimilitude, but the suspense that is distilled throughout the six episodes proves to be flawlessly effective.

This cat and mouse game is fed on screen by a dreamlike atmosphere. The work done on the light and the sound gives a particular energy to the series, taking the spectator into a universe halfway between dream and nightmare, according to the needs of the scenario.  The framing, alternately claustrophobic or aerial, contributes to this feeling. The gallery of characters is in line with classic detective stories, with a touch of modernity, especially with the cop with flowery language and crazy hair played by Tiphaine Daviot (HP, Marianne).

This contemporary rereading of the myth of the police series is also found in the themes addressed. Violence against women is not just a backdrop, it literally inhabits the entire narrative structure. Stunned, submissive, in denial, angry and liberated... Anna (Erika Sainte who carries the series on her "not so frail" shoulders) goes through all her emotions throughout the six episodes. But the series doesn't just untangle the knots of personal control, it also looks into the face of the consequences of a toxic patriarchy when it becomes institutionalized. To be meditated upon.

Synopsis: 
Anna, under the influence of her violent husband for several years, commits the irreparable during yet another argument. On the day of his indictment, her life is turned upside down once again when she discovers that he is still alive and that their son is in danger. She has no choice but to escape.

I Killed My Husband (6 x 45 minutes)
A series directed by Rémy Silk Binisti
Based on an idea by Henri Debeurme
On a script by Sophie Dab, Rémy Silk Binisti, Lucie Frejaville, Justine Kim Gautier
With Erika Sainte, Antoine Gouy, Tiphaine Daviot, Hiba Abouk, Rachel Khan, Christophe Tek, Melan Omerta
Production: Next Episode
Broadcasting: from November 29 on 13ème Rue

Photos : Copyright 13eme RUE/Remy Grandroques

My rating : 4/5