“Marie-Antoinette: l’affaire du collier” on Canal+: mixed results?
Two years after its initial success, the Marie-Antoinette series returns to Canal+ with a second season focusing on the necklace scandal, a cross between historical thriller and contemporary aesthetic.
A royal scandal revisited
Unveiled this February 17, 2025 on Canal+, season 2 of Marie-Antoinette explores the “Affair of the Necklace”, the famous scandal that precipitated the Queen’s downfall and heralded the beginnings of the French Revolution. Directed by Deborah Davis, screenwriter of the acclaimed film La Favorite, this eight-episode season plunges viewers into the sumptuous yet icy world of Versailles in the dead of winter.
Against this tense backdrop, the queen’s favorites, notably Yolande de Polignac and Jeanne de Valois, indulged in political and personal intrigue, fueling an atmosphere of conspiracy and rivalry.
Sophisticated design and convincing performance
Season 2 captivates with its meticulous aesthetics, magnificent settings and, above all, the accuracy of the lead actors’ performances. Emilia Schüle (Marie-Antoinette) and Louis Cunningham (Louis XVI) shine with their naturalness and intensity. Critics particularly praise the dramatic tension of this season, which borrows from the codes of the political thriller while skilfully playing with elements reminiscent of popular shows such as Secrets d’Histoire, or even the provocative spirit of a series like Gossip Girl.
A divisive modernity
This contemporary touch, however, is not to everyone’s taste. While some critics have praised this modern audacity, others, such as TV Magazine, have deplored certain liberties taken with historical reality, denouncing in particular scenes deemed gratuitous and vulgar.
For viewers in search of historical authenticity, a documentary series, Marie-Antoinette confidentielle, will be available from February 24 on Canal+. But for those who appreciate a daring retelling, this second season of Marie-Antoinette promises a captivating and resolutely modern experience.
“Marie-Antoinette: l’affaire du collier” available now on Canal+ and MyCanal.
Also read: Leighton Meester joins Adam Brody in Nobody Wants This
