Lupin is a heist show that knows exactly what it wants to be. It is a French adaptation of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief created by Maurice Leblanc, and it leans into every trick in the genre’s playbook: the slow-burn setup, the twisty plot, the cool gadgets, and the sharp dialogue. It is also a show about family, grief, and the weight of a name. The result is a series that is almost always clever, occasionally brilliant, and rarely boring.
The story follows Assane Diop (Omar Sy), a man who grew up idolizing the fictional character Lupin and now lives as a con artist in modern-day Paris. He has spent years planning a heist that will clear his family’s name after a wrongful conviction. The target is a priceless diamond, and the plan involves a fake death, a stolen painting, and a lot of double-crosses. It is a simple setup, but the execution is anything but.
Trailer, via Netflix.
Omar Sy Carries the Show
Omar Sy is the reason Lupin works. His Assane is charming, calculating, and genuinely warm underneath his cool exterior. He carries the emotional weight of the entire series, from the quiet moments of grief to the larger-than-life capers. Sy plays the character with a physicality that matches his wit, making him both a thinker and a fighter. He is the kind of lead that makes you want to root for him even when he is lying to everyone around him.
The supporting cast is solid, though they mostly exist to react to Sy’s performance. Ludivine Sang is effective as Claire, Assane’s ex-girlfriend and the woman who knows his secrets. She brings a grounded realism to the show, which helps balance out the more cartoonish elements. The villains are competent but forgettable, which is fine because the real threat is always Assane himself.
The Heist Structure Works
The show is structured in five episodes, each focusing on a different phase of the heist. This allows for a steady escalation of tension, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. The pacing is tight, and the show never drags, even during the slower expository scenes. The heist itself is a masterclass in set pieces, with a finale that delivers on the promise of the earlier episodes.
The show also takes time to explore Assane’s backstory and his relationship with his brother. These flashbacks provide context for his motivations and add depth to a character who could easily have been a one-note thief. They also set up the emotional stakes for the final act, which pays off in a way that feels earned rather than manufactured.
The French Touch
Lupin is a French production, and it wears its nationality proudly. The show is shot in Paris, with locations ranging from the Louvre to the streets of Montmartre. The cinematography is clean and stylish, with a color palette that reflects the elegance of the setting. The show also includes plenty of French cultural references, from the food to the fashion, which adds a layer of authenticity to the proceedings.
The show is subtitled for non-French speakers, which is a small but welcome touch. The subtitles are accurate and easy to read, which means you can focus on the action without any confusion.
The Twist Ending
The finale of Lupin is a genuine surprise. It subverts expectations in a way that feels earned rather than cheap, and it sets up a potential second season that fans are clamoring for. The reveal changes the understanding of the entire story, and it is a credit to the show’s writers that it lands as a payoff rather than a gimmick. It is the kind of ending that makes you want to rewatch everything you have just seen.
The show also includes a post-credits scene that hints at future adventures, which is a nice tease for those who want more of Assane’s world.
A Flawed Gem
Lupin is not perfect. Some of the plot threads feel rushed, and there are moments where the show relies too heavily on coincidence to move the story forward. The middle episodes, while entertaining, do not quite reach the heights of the opening and closing acts. There are also a few scenes that feel like filler, padding out the runtime without adding much to the overall narrative.
The show also struggles with its tone at times. It wants to be a serious crime drama, but it keeps slipping into camp, especially in the later episodes. This can be jarring, but it also makes the show feel more alive than a straight-faced heist series might be.
The Final Score
Lupin is a smart, stylish, and surprisingly emotional heist show that deserves its audience. It is a confident piece of entertainment that knows exactly what it is doing, even when it stumbles. The performances are strong, the plotting is ambitious, and the finale delivers. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a very good time.
| Episode | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | “L’Heur d’après” |
| 2 | “La Lune et les loups” |
| 3 | “La Fée du lac” |
| 4 | “Le Secret de la grotte” |
| 5 | “L’Échelle de Jacob” |
The show is available on Netflix, which makes it easy to binge. It is a short series, so you can finish it in a weekend. That brevity is a strength, as it keeps the momentum high throughout.
Lupin is a gem with some rough edges. It is a show that respects its audience’s intelligence while still delivering the thrills of a classic heist story. It is a worthy addition to the canon of modern television, and it stands alongside other great heist shows of recent years. It is a show that rewards attention, and it is a show that you will want to watch again.
Lupin scores 8.2 out of 10.
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