Des vivants: A nuanced true-crime drama about Bataclan survivors
As the world marks the tenth anniversary of the November 13, 2015 attacks in Paris, SVT unveils a new French series that centers on the people most affected: the survivors from Bataclan. Des vivants, or Des vivants in French, follows eight episodes that illuminate the lives of those who endured the siege inside the concert hall and the long, often painful process of rebuilding after trauma. The series aims to honor the victims while giving voice to the survivors who formed an extraordinary bond in the wake of tragedy.
Behind the project: a thoughtful approach to memory and resilience
Des vivants is crafted under the direction of renowned Swedish-French producer-showrunner Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Known for his meticulous, reality-grounded storytelling, de Lestrade returns to the screen with a drama that blends reportage-like realism with intimate character study. His previous work, including the acclaimed Gryningsdåden i Sambre, set a standard for true-crime storytelling that prioritizes testimony and atmosphere over sensationalism. In Des vivants, this approach translates into a portrait of resilience that respects the survivors’ voices and experiences.
Eight episodes, eight perspectives
The eight-part series traces the days, months, and years after the Bataclan attack, focusing on the survivors who refer to themselves as “potages”—a portmanteau born from the French words for friends (potes) and hostages (otages). Through their stories, the show explores not only the immediate danger they faced but also the long arc of healing, memory, and solidarity. The title reminder—Des vivants—signals a deliberate turn toward life after horror, highlighting the daily acts of reintegration and the enduring impact of trauma on families, friendships, and personal identity.
Cast, tone, and what to expect
Led by a strong ensemble including Benjamin Lavernhe, Alix Poisson, and Antoine Reinartz, the cast anchors a series that favors character complexity over spectacle. The narrative unfolds with careful pacing, inviting viewers to observe how survivors navigate flashbacks, periods of silence, and moments of courage in the aftermath. The tone remains sober and humane, aligning with the true-crime lineage while centering on dignity, agency, and the slow process of rebuilding a sense of normalcy.
Viewing details for Swedish audiences
Des vivants premiered on France 2 on October 27 and will be available to SVT viewers on SVT Play starting November 5. The collaboration between a national broadcaster and a premium French drama aims to bring a deeply human perspective on a pivotal moment in recent history to audiences beyond France, dovetailing with SVT’s tradition of presenting international true-crime and documentary drama to Swedish audiences.
Why this series matters
Ten years after the Bataclan attack, Des vivants offers more than a retelling of events. It presents a mosaic of lived experience, portraying how survivors have carried forward the memory of those lost while reconstructing their lives, families, and communities. In a landscape often dominated by dramatic reconstruction, the series asks an essential question: what does recovery look like after a mass-casualty event, and how can storytelling support those who lived through it?
How to watch
With its roots in French television and a commitment to international viewers, Des vivants arrives on SVT Play for Swedish audiences, extending the conversation about resilience, memory, and community to a wider international audience curious about true-life drama that respects its subjects.
