Inhuman Resources

Inhuman Resources, or Derapages in French, is a six-part thrilling drama series that made its debut on Arte in 2020. The series enjoys a witty narrative with imposing scenery, palpable tension, and twisting plotlines. Notably, it is based on Pierre Lemaitre's novel Cadres Noirs, bringing the gripping story from the pages of the acclaimed book onto the television screens. This compelling series tackles issues of corporate ethics, economic downsizing, and the moral dilemmas of the unemployed and disenfranchised.

The protagonist of Inhuman Resources, Alain Delambre, is astoundingly played by the renowned French actor Eric Cantona. Cantona serves up an impressive performance, delivering an intimate character study of a man gradually reduced to desperation by societal and personal neglect. Delambre, a former HR manager in his late fifties, is grappling with long-term unemployment which starts to impact his personal life severely. With desperation reaching its peak and having the additional pressure of still needing to provide for his family, Delambre decides to resort to unanticipated measures. Thus, the story revolves around his desperation, and the time and ethic-consuming vortex he becomes trapped in.

The supporting roles, filled by Suzanne Clement, Alex Lutz, and Alice de Lencquesaing, among others, provide considerable depth to the storyline, presenting a diversified imagery of the corporate world, family dynamics, and society at large. In addition, the show’s creators, Ziad Doueiri and Missaoui Rym, carefully shape the narrative, with thought-provoking dialogues and meticulously crafted set pieces that heighten the overall ambiance of the show.

Notably, Inhuman Resources distinguishes itself through its multifaceted approach. While primarily showcasing the struggles of unemployment and the ignominy of ageism in the job market, the series also explores moral turpitude, social identity, and one's capacity for transgression under extreme pressure. In a sense, the series sharply criticizes the brutality of the corporate world and the chilling consequences it can deliver to its workforce, creating a seismic impact on not only their career but also their personal lives.

Another significant aspect that characterizes Inhuman Resources is its dark humor, which weaves itself into the plot. Despite the seriousness of Delambre's situation, the series infuses small doses of humor, lending a unique character to the narrative. At the same time, the humor not only offers relief from the intense drama but also adds to the realism of the series, mirroring life’s absurdities and juxtapositions.

The psychological and emotional trajectory of its protagonist forms an intrinsic part of the series' appeal. As the viewer follows Delambre's narrative, they experience his despair, anger, and ultimate resolution to resort to drastic measures—accurately capturing the sense of helplessness that often accompanies long-term unemployment. Cantona’s remarkable portrayal of Delambre keeps viewers connected with the character, feeling his torment and sympathizing with his predicament.

Inhuman Resources is marked by its impressive cinematography. The show effectively makes use of visuals to set the atmosphere and reflect the emotional state of the protagonist. The pale, somber colors and the imposing shots of the cityscape encapsulate the heavy mood of disillusionment and dejection.

In essence, Inhuman Resources is a crafty series that will keep viewers engaged right until the end with its compelling story and impressive performances. It strikes a fine balance between social criticism and a personal journey of desperation, evoking a myriad of emotions from viewers. Furthermore, the series deftly highlights the stark realities of long-term unemployment and the severe repercussions it can have on an individual and their family, tinged with a biting critique of the corporate world.

While Inhuman Resources may present hard truths about society and the corporate world, it does so with an engaging narrative and a nuanced characterization that keeps the audience invested. Plateauing on ethical dilemmas, the series inveigles viewers into a world shrouded by moral ambiguity, labor struggles, and economic disparity, all coming together to create an intensely gripping narrative. This series indeed solidifies Arte’s tradition of presenting thought-provoking and engaging content to their viewers.