THE LAST WAVE

UK BBC Four, finished Creators Alexis Le Sec,

Raphaëlle Roudaut

Cast David Kammenos, Marie Dompnier, Théo Christine, Capucine Valmary

“Magic isn’t real, there’s always a trick.” So says Ben, one of The Last Wave’s key leads, in the opening moments of the first episode. There’s plenty of wizardry here, with compelling characters, excellent music, pretty cinematography and an intriguing mystery keeping things as dazzling as sunlight on seawater. Question is, does it still impress once the trick’s revealed? After all, the mystery box of Lost (this French series’ closest comparison point) was frustratingly empty. Is The Last Wave worth the beach trip?

The story sees a strange cloud appearing over a small French town during a surfing competition, engulfing the entrants until they vanish. Five hours later, they reappear. All seems well, until the surfers start to manifest strange powers, and dream of a weird lighthouse overlooking ruined buildings. It’s a great premise, but even without the highconcept, The Last Wave’s relationship dramas would carry you to the finale.

Whether it’s the couple split by tragedy, the teenager with an awkward crush, or the young superstar with a family secret, these soap opera set-ups are performed by actors who make you care about the outcomes. As for that (eerily prescient) finale, let’s just say it’s… tricky. No, magic isn’t real, but who cares when the misdirection’s this good? Sam Ashurst