The Passenger

The Passenger is an esteemed French crime drama series that initially aired in 2014 on France's France 2 and is now available globally via streaming on MHz Choice. Directed by Jérôme Cornuau and co-written by Olivier Norek, Colette La Bruyère, and Jean-Baptiste Sayakoummane, this riveting investigation story is made up of six episodes, each more enticing than the previous, masterfully crafted to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Passenger transports viewers into the enigmatic and captivating world of criminal investigator Mathias Freire, portrayed by seasoned French actor Jean-Hugues Anglade. Anglade's performance is compelling, making Freire's character feel multi-dimensional and real. The plot sparks into motion when Freire finds himself waking up in a middle of a field, with no recollection of his past or how he got there. His condition manifests as dissociative amnesia, a rare psychological condition in which memories are not lost but blocked.

Adding to his disorienting predicament, Freire soon discovers he is linked to a series of gruesome murders based on Greek mythology. Each murder scene is delicately staged, reflecting scenes from mythological tales. The clever linkage of these crime scenes with the lore of ancient Greece adds a compelling dimension to the murder investigation, fostering an in-depth exploration of human passion, betrayal, and revenge, akin to the timeless narratives from Greek mythology itself.

Freire is introduced to Anaïs Chatelet, a stoic homicide detective excellently portrayed by Raphaëlle Agogué, to work together on the string of murders. The unlikely partnership between the memory-stricken Freire and the no-nonsense Chatelet forms the backbone of the series, two broken characters trying to pick up the pieces of their disrupted existence while striving to solve the murders.

The Passenger is not an average investigative police story. It is an amalgamation of a well-thought-out psychological thriller, with intricate labyrinths of mysteries woven into the storylines. The dynamic of their partnership and synergy that evolves over six episodes is worth watching as they navigate through the intriguing tangles of the murder case.

The cinematography is of aesthetic excellence, using locations meaningfully to evoke a sense of emotion and anticipation. The Passenger goes beyond the mere quest to find a serial killer; it is a psychologically taut narrative that delves deep into the human psyche. It seamlessly intertwines the layers of mythology, psychology, and crime detection into a captivating whole. The aesthetic filming locations and gloomy atmospheres of the French cityscapes canvas the mystery remarkably well, highlighting the dread and darkness that lurk below the façade of everyday life.

Moreover, The Passenger approaches mental illness in a mature and sensitive manner, drawing an important discourse on the social perception of mental health while keeping it integral to the story. Anglade's portrayal of Freire’s dissociative identity disorder brings in a nuanced angle to the character, steering clear of stereotypical interpretations. The series also showcases Anaïs Chatelet's struggle with past traumas, which is appreciated for how it handles mental health topics thoughtfully and respectfully.

The deft use of flashbacks adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative, and cleverly reveals snippets of the protagonist’s memory that glare our understanding of the plot, making the narrative engaging and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, The Passenger stands as an exceptional entry in the canon of European crime drama, effortlessly combining elements of detective procedural, psychological thrillers, and character-driven drama into one tantalizing package. The intricate plot twists, fine performances, impressive cinematography, and the deft touch of Greek mythology make it an enriching viewing experience. For those who enjoy unraveling mysteries and are keen on character-driven narratives with a psychological twist, The Passenger is a must-watch.