In the heart of Marseille, where the Mediterranean breeze mingles with the scent of crime, a gripping tale of justice and redemption unfolds. “Blood Coast (Pax Massilia),” the latest French crime drama directed by the renowned César Awards winner and former police officer Olivier Marchal, takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the labyrinthine streets of France’s port city.
This riveting series follows the unlikely alliance between a rogue police captain and a determined new recruit seeking a fresh start. Together, they embark on a perilous mission to bring down one of the world’s most notorious and violent drug dealers, plunging headfirst into the dangerous underworld that lurks beneath the picturesque facade of Marseille.
Blood Coast (Pax Massilia) Cast & Characters Explained:
“Blood Coast” (Pax Massilia) boasts a stellar cast, bringing together a talented ensemble of actors to portray a diverse range of characters in this gripping crime drama. At the center of the narrative is Tewfik Jallab as Captain Lyès Benamar, alias Benamar, a seasoned judicial police officer known for his unyielding commitment to justice.
Joining Benamar in the pursuit of law and order is his new partner, Jeanne Goursaud, who steps into the role of Captain Alice Vidal. Together, Benamar and Vidal form a dynamic duo as they navigate the challenging terrain of criminal investigations.
The show introduces a formidable antagonist in the form of Nicolas Duvauchelle as Franck Murillo, a globally wanted criminal whose dangerous antics keep law enforcement on their toes. Further adding complexity to the criminal underworld is Samir Boitard as Ali Saïdi, a notorious drug dealer, and Moussa Maaskri as Tarek Hamadi, alias The Indian, a key associate of Murillo.
Commissioner Fabiani, portrayed by Florence Thomassin, takes charge as Benamar and Alice’s boss, overseeing their investigations and managing the delicate balance between maintaining order and pursuing justice.
The narrative is further enriched by the supporting cast, including Lani Sogoyou as Audrey Ilunga, a colleague of Benamar, and Olivier Barthélémy as Arno Cabella, another member of the dedicated police force. Idir Azougli steps into the role of Max “Tatoo” Russo, bringing his unique flair to the ensemble, and Diouc Koma adds intrigue as Victor Miranda, an internal affairs agent tasked with keeping a close eye on the activities within the police department.
Release Date:
Blkood Coast (pax Massilia) was unleashed into the streaming world on December 6th, 2023
Where can you watch Blood Coast (Pax Massilia)?
Since this is a Netflix original, the series will stream exclusively on Netflix. If you have a subscription, you will be able to watch the show for free.
The Filming Locations of the Series
Set against the backdrop of Marseille, France, the series unfolds its narrative in the picturesque locales of both Marseille and Paris, seamlessly blending the charm of these iconic French cities into its captivating storyline.
Blood Coast (Pax Massilia) Series Summary:
In the bustling city of Marseille, France, the relentless pursuit of an elusive drug ring consumes DEA captain Lyès Benamar and his dedicated team. Benamar’s unorthodox methods, driven by an unyielding determination to close in on the criminals, have triggered an internal affairs investigation. His actions have left bystanders injured, put the public at risk, and left a drug dealer in custody battered and bruised. As he treads on thin ice, a new officer, Captain Alice Vidal, with an impeccable record straight from Interpol, joins the fray.
Assigned to collaborate with Benamar on the case, Vidal becomes his partner in this high-stakes mission. Though their approaches may diverge, they share a common objective: to relentlessly pursue the elusive drug lord Franck Murillo, employing any means necessary to bring him to justice. As the partnership unfolds, Marseille becomes the battleground for a clash of methods and personalities, all in the relentless pursuit of justice in the dangerous world of drug enforcement.
Blood Coast (Pax Massilia) Series Ending Explained:
Towards the end of Blood Coast Season 1, Ali Saidi secures his freedom amidst the police descending upon Lyes Benamar’s residence to apprehend him for a litany of corrupt practices and other criminal offenses.
In the final showdown against Murillo, Lyes and his formidable team successfully capture the elusive antagonist. However, Alice Vidal opts for justice over vengeance, choosing not to take Murillo’s life for the atrocities he committed against her father. This principled decision earns Lyes and his team a hero’s welcome, with applause echoing their triumph.
Despite Lyes emerging victorious and winning Alice’s affection, his triumph is bittersweet. Miranda, who dedicated the entire season to building a case against Ali Saidi, sees her efforts unravel as the latter is released due to glaring corruption within the District Attorney’s office. The tables turn, and instead of Saidi, it is Lyes who finds himself in the crosshairs of justice for his past transgressions.
As the police, accompanied by Miranda, converge on Lyes’ doorstep to make the arrest, the screen ominously cuts to black right after capturing Lyes’ enigmatic smile. While the implication is that Lyes may face arrest, his smile leaves room for speculation—perhaps signaling a fleeting thought of escape in that critical moment. In fact, the ambiguous ending adds a layer of intrigue, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, pondering the fate of a protagonist whose journey teeters on the precipice of uncertainty.
Will there be a Blood Coast (Pax Massilia) Season 2?
As of early December 2023, there is no official release date for Blood Coast Season 2, and the series has not yet been officially renewed. Given that the first season recently premiered, it is expected that Netflix will evaluate the audience’s reception before deciding on a second season.
Obviously, the conclusion of the inaugural season sets the stage for potential future developments.
Although Franck Murillo, the seasonal antagonist, is apprehended, and Alice Vidal finds closure regarding her father’s death, the authorities reluctantly release Ali Saïdi, the leader of Marseille’s underworld, in order to maintain peace in the city. Furthermore, the finale strongly suggests that Lyès faces legal consequences. In a potential Season 2, Lyès could emerge from jail, reunite with his team, and embark on a pursuit of justice against Saïdi. Stay tuned for updates as the fate of Blood Coast Season 2 unfolds.
Blood Coast (Pax Massilia) Review:
The reviews for Blood Coast have mostly been negative and polarising. In their review of the series, Decider says, “There are so many “gritty crime dramas” around that it’s sometimes hard to tell them apart. If a show doesn’t present something to hook viewers in, they could walk. Generic cops and generic criminals won’t cut it, even if there’s a lot of action and intrigue. A new crime drama from France struggles to establish its characters, even though there’s plenty of sunny coastal scenery and lots of shooting and chasing in the first episode.”
Episodes Listing:
There are a total of 6 episodes in the first season of Blood Coast. The details are as follows:
- Episode 1: The Crazies
- Episode 2: Welcome to the Squad
- Episode 3: Closing In
- Episode 4: The Showdown
- Episode 5: Blood Runs Deep
- Episode 6: The Manhunt
