Moloch

Moloch is a captivating French television series that first aired in 2020. It weaves together a complex tapestry of mystery, surrealism, crime, and horror, compelling the audience to inch forward to the edge of their seats, anticipating the unravelling of its many tangled threads.

Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town in the north of France, the story develops over the course of six episodes. Here, the ordinary meets the extraordinary as the familiar landscapes of urbanity nudge against the eerie mystery of an unfolding supernatural enigma. The show strikes a fine balance that keeps the audience poised between the mundane details of everyday life and the tantalizing allure of the unknown.

The narrative centres around Louise, a young and ambitious journalist, and her partner Gabriel, an affable but tormented psychiatrist. Together, they stumble upon a series of inexplicable phenomena in their otherwise unremarkable town. Inexplicable fires begin to break out, claiming lives and engulfing the town in fear. Even stranger, the victims of these strange fires are found to be completely torched, leaving no trace of fire on their clothes or surroundings. The series takes its title, Moloch, from the Canaanite deity associated with child sacrifice by fire – the mythology foreshadows the chilling mystery the protagonists find themselves entangled in.

The police, initially sceptical about the existence of an arsonist, soon find themselves puzzled by these baffling incidents. Meanwhile, Louise and Gabriel, thrown together by their personal and professional bonds, find themselves on parallel investigative tracks. While Louise digs deep into the story for her newspaper, Gabriel struggles to understand the psychological underpinnings of these occurrences. As they navigate their personal demons and the unspeakable horror unfolding around them, their zeal for uncovering the truth gives the story its dynamic momentum.

Moloch skillfully weaves psychological drama and supernatural thriller genres together, gradually exposing the underbellies of the story and the town itself. It explores themes of family, destiny, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones and secrets. It examines how closely interconnected the townsfolk are, creating a sense of claustrophobia and fear as it becomes clear that anyone could be the culprit — or the next victim.

Arnaud Malin, known for his unique creative vision, directs the series. His atmospheric storytelling and adept handling of the unfolding psychological drama are evident in every frame. Passionately written by Arnaud Malin and Frederic Mermoud, the show captivates the audience with its stark portrayal of human fragility, resilience, and the darker corners of the psyche. Moreover, the performances of Marine Vacth and Olivier Gourmet in the lead roles of Louise and Gabriel deserve special mention due to their volatile chemistry and the nuanced depiction of their complicated characters.

The cinematography is equally riveting. The picturesque portrayal of the seaside town is often undercut with the harshness of the unsolved mysteries. The camera pans across gloomy skies, rolling fog, deserted streets, and intense fires creating a visual language that resonates with the heightened emotions of the narrative. The eerie undertone of the soundtrack further amplifies the tense mood of the show.

Despite the supernatural elements, Moloch maintains an objective realism in its narrative. The characters are flawed, relatable, and complex, grappling with personal grief, guilt, and trauma even as they unravel the larger mystery surrounding them. It’s this deeply ingrained humanity that hooks the audience in, making for a compelling, emotionally charged viewing experience that transcends the typical boundaries of the mystery genre.

Overall, Moloch is an intriguing blend of tense psychological drama and supernatural thriller that pulls the viewer into its abyss, leaving them yearning for more. With a gripping storyline, well-fleshed characters, and an eeriness that lingers long after the credits roll, it makes for rewarding viewing for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.