Watch Fear By The Lake

Fear By The Lake is a thrilling French television series that originally premiered in 2017. Produced by the French network France 2, PBS Masterpiece picked up the series in 2020 for American audiences. Set in the idyllic lakeside French town of Annecy, Fear By The Lake follows a team of law enforcement officers as they investigate a series of gruesome murders that shakes the quiet town to its core.

The series stars Julie De Bona as Lise Stocker, a detective lieutenant who returns to the town of her childhood to investigate the murders. Lise is a determined and highly intuitive investigator who is haunted by her own traumatic past in Annecy, which intersects with the mysterious events taking place in the present. Lannick Gautry co-stars as Clovis Bouvier, Lise's partner in the investigation, who initially dismisses her hunches as mere superstitions. As the investigation progresses, the two develop a closer partnership and a deeper understanding of each other's personal struggles.

Fear By The Lake paints a vivid portrait of Annecy, a picturesque town nestled in the French Alps that attracts tourists from all over the world. The lake, which gives the town its name, is one of the main attractions of the area and is an ever-present backdrop to the investigation. The town's beauty, however, is juxtaposed with the dark and violent events that occur throughout the series.

The crimes that the officers are investigating are particularly gruesome and are unlike anything the town has seen before. The bodies of several women are discovered floating in the lake and each time, the killer leaves a small wooden figure beside them. The deaths appear to be connected to a local legend about a demonic creature that resides in the lake and terrorizes the town every seven years. As the investigation progresses, Lise begins to unravel the connection between the legend and the murders and becomes convinced that the killer is intentionally invoking the myth for their own purposes.

Fear By The Lake is a complex and suspenseful crime thriller that deftly weaves together elements of horror and mythology. The plot is intricate and multi-layered, with a host of suspects and clues that keep the viewer guessing until the very end. Alongside the central mystery, the show also explores themes of trauma, grief, and the impact of violence on both individuals and communities.

One of the most striking aspects of the series is its use of setting and atmosphere to create tension and unease. Annecy is a stunningly beautiful location, but the show uses its natural beauty to great effect in creating an eerie and unsettling mood. The lake, in particular, is a constant presence that takes on an ominous quality as the investigation progresses. The show also incorporates elements of local folklore and superstition to heighten the sense of unease, adding an almost supernatural dimension to the proceedings.

Throughout the series, Julie De Bona gives a standout performance as Lise. She brings a depth and vulnerability to the character that makes her a compelling protagonist, even as she struggles with her own personal demons. Lannick Gautry is equally impressive as Clovis, balancing the character's skepticism and cynicism with a growing respect for Lise's talent as an investigator.

Overall, Fear By The Lake is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its deft use of setting, mythology, and character make it not just a compelling mystery, but a powerful exploration of the impact of violence on individuals and communities. With its stunning visuals, complex plot, and standout performances, it's no wonder that the series has garnered critical acclaim in both its native France and in its American release on PBS Masterpiece.