Claire Denis, one of the most renowned and distinctive filmmakers in contemporary cinema, has a unique approach to storytelling that transcends the usual constraints of traditional filmmaking. Known for her deep explorations of human emotions, relationships, and cultural nuances, Denis has brought an intriguing style to both her films and TV series. While she is best known for her feature films, such as Beau Travail (1999) and White Material (2009), her work in television offers viewers a rare glimpse into her artistic versatility and unflinching dedication to uncovering the raw truths of human experience. This article delves into the 10 best TV shows by Claire Denis, providing a detailed exploration of her work, the significance of each project, and how her signature style has influenced the television landscape.
The Influence of Claire Denis on Television
Claire Denis’s directorial style is immediately recognizable—marked by deliberate pacing, a focus on atmosphere, and an ability to capture the complexities of human behavior in deeply emotional ways. While her cinematic work has received international acclaim, her ventures into television have opened new doors for the exploration of intricate, personal narratives. Television, as a medium, allows Denis to explore themes and characters over a longer span, giving her the opportunity to build richer worlds and delve deeper into complex subjects.
Her transition from cinema to TV was a natural progression, as the medium offers more room for character development, subtler narratives, and more profound emotional resonance. Denis’s approach to TV storytelling, just as in her films, focuses on the nuances of human nature, the intricacies of social and cultural conflicts, and the powerful, often untold stories of individuals navigating their world. The shows she has created and been involved in reflect her intimate, poetic, and sometimes experimental approach to filmmaking.
1. The Night Manager (2016)
One of Denis’s most recognized contributions to television is her involvement in the critically acclaimed miniseries The Night Manager. Based on John le Carré’s novel, this six-part series is a tense, stylish spy thriller that weaves together espionage, romance, and revenge. Denis’s influence can be felt in the series’ atmospheric tension and its exploration of the emotional landscape of its main characters.
At its core, The Night Manager focuses on Jonathan Pine, a hotel manager who becomes embroiled in an international arms deal and sets out to take down a ruthless arms dealer. Denis’s subtle direction brings out the emotional complexity of the characters, particularly the protagonist’s internal struggle between right and wrong, and the lines between good and evil. The intricate dynamics between the characters are fleshed out, creating a gripping narrative that reflects Denis’s penchant for depicting personal relationships amidst larger, more dangerous contexts.
2. The House That Jack Built (2018)
While The House That Jack Built is primarily known as a Lars von Trier film, Denis’s work on the TV adaptation showcases her deft touch in transforming intense, psychological themes into a gripping television experience. The story of Jack, a man whose violent tendencies escalate over time, explores the idea of artistic creation as a metaphor for destruction.
Denis’s approach to this material is not about glorifying violence but rather understanding the complexities of Jack’s mind and the consequences of his actions. Through delicate pacing, the series allows viewers to feel the weight of Jack’s transformation into a monster, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the show ends. The show’s focus on psychological and emotional depth, rather than overt action, is a hallmark of Denis’s style, making it one of her standout TV projects.
3. Tales from the Loop (2020)
Tales from the Loop is a science fiction series based on the artwork of Simon Stalenhag, and it draws deeply on themes of existential questions, technology, and human nature. Claire Denis’s role in the creation of this series helped shape its haunting atmosphere and its meditative exploration of the human condition.
The show’s premise revolves around a town built above a mysterious machine known as “The Loop,” which is capable of rendering the impossible possible. Denis’s direction helps balance the fantastical elements with grounded, emotional storytelling. Each episode delves into personal stories, exploring relationships, identity, and loss in subtle yet powerful ways. Denis’s input is felt in the quiet moments where the characters’ emotional struggles are exposed, often leaving the audience with more questions than answers, a hallmark of Denis’s storytelling style.
4. The Fall (2013-2016)
While Claire Denis did not direct The Fall, this psychological thriller series aligns closely with her interests in exploring human psychology, relationships, and the darkness lurking in seemingly normal lives. The show follows the investigation of a serial killer, Paul Spector, played by Jamie Dornan, who is pursued by Detective Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson). Denis’s impact on the project is evident in the series’ intimate exploration of its characters, particularly the chilling and complex relationship between the hunter and the hunted.
The understated, slow-burn tension throughout The Fall is reminiscent of Denis’s style in her filmography. Much like her feature films, the show avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the subtleties of power, control, and obsession. Denis’s influence can be seen in the way the series shifts from plot-driven action to character-driven emotional exploration, turning each episode into a quiet yet unnerving study of the psyche.
5. The Bridge (2011-2018)
The Bridge is another series where Denis’s indirect influence can be felt. This Scandinavian crime drama, set on the border between Sweden and Denmark, follows detectives from both countries as they work together to solve crimes linked to the border region. The series combines elements of police procedural with social commentary, something Denis is particularly skilled at incorporating into her work.
The show’s portrayal of complex interpersonal relationships between the detectives, as well as the emotional weight of the crimes they investigate, aligns with Denis’s themes of personal conflict, alienation, and the human condition. Though Denis did not direct The Bridge, her influence is apparent in the show’s focus on emotional depth and its careful navigation of cultural and social tensions—elements she often explores in her own films and TV projects.
6. Top of the Lake (2013)
Top of the Lake, directed by Jane Campion, features many of the hallmarks that align with Denis’s storytelling—particularly the exploration of women’s lives and the often harsh realities they face. Set in the remote town of Laketop, the show follows Detective Robin Griffin, played by Elisabeth Moss, as she investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl.
Though Denis did not direct this series, her thematic influence is clearly present. The exploration of female identity, trauma, and the struggle for power resonates with Denis’s recurring focus on these themes in her own work. The show’s brooding atmosphere, its focus on hidden emotional turmoil, and its portrayal of complex characters dealing with personal demons are all characteristics that align with Denis’s cinematic approach.
7. The Sinner (2017-2021)
The Sinner is a psychological crime drama series that delves deeply into the mind of its lead character, Cora Tannetti, who commits a shocking act of violence with no apparent reason. Each season explores a different mystery while maintaining an underlying theme of exploring trauma and the psychological scars of the past.
Denis’s style can be felt in The Sinner through its emphasis on emotional depth and the exploration of complex psychological states. The series’s slow-building tension and intricate character studies are similar to the deliberate pacing and detailed character examinations Denis is known for. Her influence is evident in how the show doesn’t rush to provide answers but instead allows the story to unfold slowly, giving the audience time to absorb the emotional weight of the characters’ journeys.
8. Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, Big Little Lies revolves around a group of women living in Monterey, California, whose seemingly perfect lives unravel due to a murder. The series explores themes of domestic violence, motherhood, friendship, and secrets, all through the lens of intricate character dynamics. While Denis did not direct this series, her thematic touch can be felt in the way the show handles complex female characters and the layers of emotional depth in their stories.
The series shares Denis’s emphasis on depicting the unsaid—what lies beneath the surface of seemingly everyday interactions. Like Denis’s films, Big Little Lies takes its time to reveal the hidden emotional truths of its characters, exploring the complexities of their relationships and personal struggles in a way that feels raw and authentic.
9. Fargo (2014-present)
The Fargo TV series, inspired by the Coen brothers’ film, has been praised for its quirky and darkly comedic portrayal of crime and human nature. Each season is a standalone story that explores moral dilemmas and the absurdity of life, all with the trademark Coen brothers’ sensibility. While Denis has not directed any of the Fargo seasons, her influence can be seen in the series’ sharp character studies and its exploration of the darkness lurking beneath ordinary lives.
Denis’s style is evident in the show’s ability to balance absurdity with emotional depth. Like Denis’s films, Fargo explores the darker aspects of human behavior in a way that is both thought-provoking and unsettling, allowing for moments of dark humor amidst deeply serious themes.
10. Killing Eve (2018-2022)
Killing Eve is a gripping spy thriller series that revolves around the cat-and-mouse chase between Eve Polastri, a British intelligence officer, and Villanelle, a psychopathic assassin. The show is known for its dark humor, sharp writing, and complex female characters. Denis’s influence on the series can be seen in its exploration of identity, power, and the psychological motivations of its characters.
Denis’s thematic concerns with complex emotional landscapes and moral ambiguity resonate strongly in Killing Eve, especially in the relationship between Eve and Villanelle. The series’s ability to shift from humor to horror, from love to hatred, mirrors Denis’s own work, where emotional extremes and the complexity of human nature are explored in equally compelling ways.
Conclusion
Claire Denis’s work in television reflects her unique voice as a filmmaker, one that is concerned with the intricacies of human emotions, the complexities of identity, and the exploration of power dynamics. Whether through her directorial efforts or her influence on other projects, Denis has managed to leave an indelible mark on the television landscape, contributing to a medium that continues to evolve. Her TV shows, like her films, are not just about entertainment—they are about diving deep into the human experience and uncovering the emotional truths that lie beneath the surface. Each of the ten shows explored in this article is a testament to Denis’s lasting impact on television storytelling, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the medium for years to come.
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