If you’re drawn to dark, psychological thrillers that expose the ruthless underbelly of the corporate world and the extreme lengths a desperate man will go to regain his dignity, then the French miniseries “Inhuman Resources” is a chilling and thought-provoking watch. Led by a powerful performance from former footballer Eric Cantona, this series is a commentary on unemployment, corporate cruelty, and personal integrity.
What is “Inhuman Resources” about?
“Inhuman Resources” (original French title: Dérapages) centers on Alain Delambre (played by Éric Cantona), a 57-year-old former senior human resources executive. After six years of humiliating unemployment, living in financial distress and feeling increasingly irrelevant, Alain is at rock bottom. His family is struggling, and his relationships with his wife Nicole (Suzanne Clément) and daughters are strained.
A glimmer of hope appears when a prestigious, multi-national company, Exxya, offers him a seemingly impossible opportunity: a chance to interview for a highly coveted HR position. However, to secure the job, Alain must participate in an unconventional and highly disturbing final recruitment test. This “test” turns out to be a twisted, elaborate role-playing exercise involving a mock hostage situation, designed to assess the candidates’ decision-making and loyalty under extreme pressure.
As Alain commits body and soul to this bizarre and morally dubious game, he soon realizes that he is merely a pawn in a far more sinister corporate strategy. He’s prepared to do anything to get the job – lie, manipulate, and even betray his family – believing that success will absolve him. But when the lines between the role-play and reality begin to blur, and he uncovers the true, ruthless intentions of the company (which involves massive layoffs), Alain’s simmering fury reaches its boiling point. What started as a desperate bid for employment quickly transforms into a high-stakes, real-life game of revenge, as Alain attempts to turn the tables on his tormentors.
The series is loosely based on Pierre Lemaitre’s novel Cadres noirs, which in turn was inspired by a real-life incident where a company used a mock hostage situation as part of a recruitment test.
Why “Inhuman Resources” is a compelling watch:
- Éric Cantona’s Performance: Former football star Éric Cantona delivers a surprisingly raw, intense, and captivating performance as Alain Delambre, perfectly embodying the desperation, rage, and cunning of a man pushed to his limits.
- Timely Social Commentary: The series offers a biting critique of corporate culture, the dehumanizing effects of long-term unemployment, and the lengths to which individuals will go for economic survival and dignity in a cutthroat world.
- Psychological Thriller: It masterfully builds tension and moral ambiguity, constantly questioning who is truly in control and who the real victim is. The blurred lines between reality and simulation add a gripping layer of suspense.
- Unpredictable Plot: The story takes unexpected turns, moving beyond a simple corporate drama into something far more intricate and thrilling.
- Sharp Directing and Writing: The direction by Ziad Doueiri and writing (co-written by Pierre Lemaitre himself) contribute to the show’s dark, compelling atmosphere.
Who are the main actors in “Inhuman Resources”?
- Éric Cantona as Alain Delambre
- Suzanne Clément as Nicole Delambre (Alain’s wife)
- Alex Lutz as Alexandre Dorfmann (CEO of Exxya)
- Gustave Kervern as Charles (Alain’s friend)
- Alice de Lencquesaing as Lucie Delambre (Alain’s daughter)
- Louise Coldefy as Mathilde Delambre (Alain’s daughter)
- Adama Niane as David Fontana
- Xavier Robic as Bertrand Lacoste
Where to Watch “Inhuman Resources”:
“Inhuman Resources” is a Netflix Original miniseries. The complete first season (6 episodes) is exclusively available to stream on Netflix. It is presented in French with English subtitles (or dubbed versions, if preferred).
If you enjoyed “Inhuman Resources,” you might also like:
- Squid Game (Netflix): While a different genre, it shares the theme of desperate individuals participating in deadly games orchestrated by powerful, hidden forces.
- Parasite (Film, Hulu/Prime Video for rent/buy): For a brilliant South Korean film that explores class struggle, economic desperation, and the dark consequences of societal inequality.
- The Platform (Netflix): Another high-concept thriller that serves as a powerful allegory for class, consumption, and human nature under extreme conditions.
- Mr. Robot (Prime Video/Peacock): For a series that delves into corporate conspiracy, anti-establishment themes, and psychological complexity.
- The Family Man (Prime Video): A fast-paced Indian spy thriller with a common man protagonist balancing a secret life with family responsibilities.