Nicolas Maury, known for his acclaimed role in Call My Agent!, has stepped into the director’s chair with his new miniseries, Seasons. This project marks his directorial debut in television, where he combines his acting skills with a vision that captures life’s nuanced emotions. The series premiered on the French channel Arte and has secured streaming rights with HBO Max for audiences in France and Belgium.
Set against the backdrop of Les-Sables-d’Olonne, a picturesque seaside resort, Seasons follows the love story of Camille and her friends over three decades, beginning in 1991. At the age of fifteen, Camille, portrayed by Stéphane Caillard, meets Martin and Alexandre, played by Abraham Wapler and Lucas Bravo, respectively. This encounter sets the stage for a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of love and friendship through various seasons in life.
Maury, who previously directed the feature film Garçon Chiffon showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in 2020, brings a unique style to Seasons. He describes his directorial approach as reflecting the “melancomedy” of life, where moments of joy and despair coexist. “It is both disaster and happiness, sometimes at the same time,” he explains, highlighting the series’ intent to mirror human experiences authentically.
The series was brought to life through the collaboration of producer Carole Lambert and creator Hélène Duchateau. Maury emphasizes the importance of understanding his characters deeply, stating, “To step into the skin of a woman… I had to understand her in order to love her.” He believes that this connection allows him to better portray the ensemble of characters, creating what he refers to as a “slightly secret family.”
Exploring Time and Relationships in ‘Seasons’
The narrative unfolds over the years, with episodes themed around the changing seasons, a device that underscores the passage of time and the evolution of relationships. Maury expresses his enthusiasm for depicting aging on screen, stating, “What I loved very much was the idea of growing old together.” The actors age alongside their characters, creating a genuine sense of continuity and realism.
Internationally, the series is being marketed by APC and is set to gain attention at the upcoming Unifrance’s Paris Rendez-Vous event. Maury’s schedule appears busy; he is also involved in the upcoming film adaptation of Call My Agent!, which is set to be released on Netflix later this year.
Reflecting on his experiences from Call My Agent!, Maury notes the difference between directing for television versus film. He highlights the more demanding pace of a series shoot, where numerous scenes must be filmed in a single day. This rhythm has informed his approach to directing, allowing him to anticipate the needs of his cast while maintaining a supportive atmosphere. “When I’m shooting, I am truly in the present and I don’t think about what I’ve done before,” he adds, emphasizing his commitment to capturing authentic performances.
With Seasons, Nicolas Maury is poised to make a significant impact in the television landscape, conveying the bittersweet essence of human connection through his storytelling. This debut not only showcases his versatility as an artist but also sets the stage for future projects that explore the intricacies of life and relationships.