TV Review: "Irma Vep" Episodes 1-4

The original “Irma Vep” film from 1996 is considered a “cult classic” amongst cinephiles. Having not seen the film myself, this review won’t be a comparison with the HBO show of the same name. Instead, it will be from someone watching this as it’s presented, an eight-episode mini-series. Director Olivier Assayas (who also directed the original film) modernizes the story with clever bits of satire. An American movie star named Mira (Alicia Vikander) is dealing with quite a bit in her life. Coming off a breakup, she travels to France to star as Irma Vep in a remake of a French silent film classic, “Les Vampires.”  

Its success as a television show comes in Assaya’s moments of biting satire. What brings Mira to France is her running out of career options. She’s only been offered big-budget superhero films after starring in sci-fi blockbusters. Mira is a character who’s looking for more out of her career and thinks “Irma Vep'' is the key. It’s the sort of role that requires an actor to balance lots of emotion. Vikander is up to the task and delivers a spellbinding performance that fits the artistic tone of the show. It’s the sort of performance that will most definitely earn her an Emmy nomination. As great as she is in the lead role, this story is most definitely an ensemble piece.

Most of these supporting characters serve as beings who float in Mira’s orbit. They all have history whether it’s old lovers, colleagues, or even film staff. The one who makes the largest impression is director René Vidal (Vincent Macaigne). As the eccentric director, he fits beautifully within the canvas Assayas has created. The character as written is the equivalent of a “misunderstood genius” as a filmmaker. Both René and Mira served as these four episodes' focus and excited me about what would come next. These characters are solid enough guides for the show’s “inside baseball” approach to the film world.

The enjoyment you get from this limited series depends on how much you know about the film industry. Assayas has a vast knowledge that he puts on ample display here in these first four episodes. It’s the sort of insight that’s so detailed and analytical that it won’t work for everyone. The consistent behind-the-scenes look into the world of entertainment will be something cinephiles devour. Simultaneously, it’s also attempting to poke fun at the celebrity culture and egos. If more satirical comedy is your thing, there’s quite a lot to like about “Irma Vep” and its weirdness.  If you’re more of a casual entertainment media watcher, it is simply more difficult to get on this show's wavelength.

It’s the sort of show with a creative group of folks behind the camera who understand how the industry works, especially with the explaining need actors feel for projects that aren’t just blockbusters. As I consider myself to be a knowledgeable film fan, its satirization kept me entertained. What I can also admit is that some of these film references are deep cuts on old films. These deeper cuts are so obscure, that they all admittedly flew over my head lessening the impact. It’s just hard not to admire a filmmaker willing to make deep references that celebrate the art form. 

“Irma Vep” is a celebration and critique of the consistent changes in the entertainment industry. Olivier Assayas has crafted a story that unravels what drives individuals throughout the film world. It’s a very specific tone in these first four episodes, which can be hard to tap into emotionally if you are not prepared. Thankfully, we have a talented cast assembled, which helps to portray an insight that feels honest. These four episodes certainly don’t tell us where things could go, but keep things very interesting! It’s so interesting that I can’t wait to see where things go in the season’s second half.