Netflix - Lupin Part 3: A Charming Heist Adventure with a Few Missteps

By Mulder, 06 october 2023

Lupin Part 3 on Netflix takes us on another exhilarating journey into the world of Assane Diop, the charming gentleman thief whose wit and panache have captivated audiences since the series' inception. While this season maintains the series' signature style and charisma, it's not without its noticeable missteps.

The season picks up with Assane in hiding, desperately trying to shield his estranged wife, Claire, and their young son, Raoul, from the relentless media scrutiny that his criminal exploits have brought upon them. Assane's desire to make amends for past mistakes and his ongoing pursuit of elusive heists set the stage for a rollercoaster of capers, flashbacks, and intricate schemes.

The opening episode of Lupin Part 3 is pitch-perfect, drawing Assane back into the spotlight for an electrifying heist that immediately reminds viewers why they fell in love with this character. The clockwork precision of the heists remains a standout feature, and Mathieu Lamboley's jazzy score infuses each sequence with thrilling momentum. Assane's short-term challenges and elaborate plans continue to engage the audience, even as the hidden layers of the plot sometimes overshadow the foreground action.

However, Lupin Part 3 faces challenges in terms of Assane's character development and his complex relationship with Claire. The series portrays Assane in a somewhat unsettling light, missing opportunities for significant character growth in his family life. This approach leaves a somewhat bitter taste in the viewer's mouth, as Assane's motivations and actions become increasingly questionable.

One of the season's strengths lies in the introduction of a myriad of new characters from Assane's past. While some of these characters work well as temporary pawns in Assane's intricate chessboard, others have a less impactful presence. Additionally, the season tantalizingly teases a new kingpin character but takes a frustratingly long time to provide any substantial clues about their motives, relying heavily on flashbacks to convey essential information.

The series' affinity for non-linear storytelling remains entertaining, with young actors portraying Assane and Claire in 1998, showcasing their growth and development over the years. However, it feels like a missed opportunity that the backdrop of France's 1998 soccer World Cup campaign, a pivotal moment in the country's history, is not more deeply integrated into Assane's ongoing narrative.

Despite these narrative challenges and a sense that Lupin Part 3 may not quite reach the heights of its predecessors, it remains largely enjoyable. Omar Sy's debonair performance as Assane continues to be a highlight, and his charisma effortlessly carries the show, making it difficult to look away even during moments of storytelling turbulence.

Lupin Part 3 may not be as tightly woven as its forerunners, but it still offers a snappy and fun-filled heist adventure that's worth watching, if only for the sheer magnetism of its leading man and the enduring charm of a modern-day gentleman thief.

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Synopsis :
Now in hiding, Assane must learn to live far from his wife and son. With the suffering they endure because of him, Assane can't stand it any longer and decides to return to Paris to make them a crazy proposal: leave France and start a new life elsewhere. But the ghosts of the past are never far away, and an unexpected return will turn his plans upside down.

Lupin
Created by George Kay, François Uzan
Based on Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc
Written by George Kay, François Uzan, Eliane Montane, Sumerah Srivastav
Directed by Louis Leterrier, Marcela Said, Ludovic Bernard, Hugo Gélin, Daniel Grou, Xavier Gens
Starring Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, Clotilde Hesme, Antoine Gouy, Soufiane Guerrab, Vincent Londez, Shirine Boutella
Composer : Mathieu Lamboley
Producers : Isabelle Degeorges, Nathan Franck, Martin Jaubert
Cinematography : Christophe Nuyens, Martial Schmeltz
Editors : Jean-Daniel Fernandez-Qundez, Richard Marizy, Audrey Simonaud
Running time : 40–52 minutes
Production company : Gaumont Television
Original network : Netflix
Original release 8 January 2021 – present

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars