Watch Miss Sophie's Instinct

Miss Sophie's Instinct is a French crime drama series that initially premiered in 2018. The show is directed by Eric Le Roux and stars three-time Cesar Award nominee, Alexandra Lamy of "Un gars, une fille" fame, who plays Sophie Mournel. Sophie is a psychologist who uses her natural instincts to solve crimes.

The protagonist is a widow taking care of her two children while balancing her responsibilities at work. She's not a cop, but her uncanny ability to pick up on subtle clues and interpret nonverbal communication makes her an invaluable asset to the police when they're struggling with difficult cases.

Miss Sophie's Instinct is set in the quaint French countryside of Normandy, and it's notable for its sweeping vistas and bucolic landscapes. Despite the idyllic setting, however, the show is centered around the grittier aspects of human nature, and the crimes that Sophie investigates can be intense and disturbing.

The show's main arc follows Sophie as she's reluctantly pulled into an investigation where the prime suspect turns out to be her friend, Raphael, who's played by Thierry Neuvic. As Sophie starts analyzing the evidence, she begins to unravel a web of deceit that implicates Raphael in a series of heinous crimes.

Sophie puts her training as a therapist to use as she tries to navigate through the tumultuous emotions of Raphael's lives. She uncovers a deep-seated pain that he's been carrying for years, and her empathy for him makes her torn between her loyalty and her principles. The situation is complicated even further when Sophie discovers that Raphael's son is suffering from a psychological disorder that requires Sophie's help.

While the main storyline of Miss Sophie's Instinct is a character study of Sophie and Raphael's relationship, each episode is a standalone investigation. Sophie's ability to get inside the heads of her subjects brings to mind the likes of the enigmatic crime-solver Dr. Cal Lightman from FOX's 2009 series, Lie to Me.

In one episode, Sophie is tasked to investigate a daycare worker who's suspected of abusing children. She uses her intuition to pick up on subtle cues and body language to get to the truth of the matter, even though the evidence points in the opposite direction.

The show's production design transports viewers to the charming French countryside. It's a refreshing change from the fast-paced urban settings of most crime drama series. The audience is treated to gorgeous aerial shots of the verdant hills and serene farmscapes of Normandy.

Miss Sophie's Instinct is also notable for its subdued and understated acting style. Sophie's husband died while on duty as a police officer, and the actress Lamy brings a fragile quality to her portrayal of a woman who's still grieving deeply. There's a quiet introspection that pervades her performance, which makes it all the more effective when she uncovers a crucial piece of evidence.

The other performances in the show are similarly low-key, without any overacting or bombast. Even the tension-filled scenes where Sophie is interrogating criminals or trying to solve complex riddles are played out subtly and realistically.

Miss Sophie's Instinct isn't typical crime drama, where each episode is a game of cat and mouse between the cops and some serial killer. It's a thoughtful and emotional look at a woman who's dealing with personal loss and overwhelming guilt while trying to make sense of the worst in human nature. It's a deftly crafted show that gets under your skin and stays with you after you're done watching it.