Unveiling Complex Characters in “Empathy”
The French Canadian series Empathy introduces us to the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Suzanne Bien-Aimé. From the outset, it’s clear that Suzanne is navigating through a chaotic existence. As the show opens, we find her in an unkempt state—disheveled and hungover, she stumbles out of bed and finds herself standing in the remnants of a late-night poutine feast.
In a series of unfortunate events, Suzanne encounters the aftermath of her recent romantic escapade. An awkward exchange ensues with her one-night stand, culminating in an emotional breakdown that forces her to flee into the rain—late for her first day at work. In this moment, she is faced with a barrage of challenges: her car refuses to start, and she engages in a heated argument with a neighbor as she dashes to her new position as a psychiatrist at the Mont-Royal Institute for the criminally insane in Montreal.
A Multifaceted Character
“You might say she’s a highly intricate character,” reflects Florence Longpré, the creator and star of Empathy. “Playing her was enjoyable because of her messiness. As the storyline unfolds, we discover Suzanne is grappling with significant trauma and deep-seated depression.” Longpré, who draws on her personal experiences with a similar dark chapter in her own life, embraces the emotional volatility of portraying a character dealing with such profound issues. “Experiencing those feelings of despair and then the catharsis of emerging from it is something I relate to deeply,” she adds.
Longpré is no stranger to delivering captivating performances, having previously won acclaim for her role in the Quebecois series Audrey’s Back, which presented a unique blend of drama and surrealism. That show, which earned a Grand Prize at Canneseries, showcased her ability to seamlessly navigate between heartfelt moments and absurd comedy.
Comedy Meets Trauma
In Empathy, Longpré continues to walk that fine line between humor and heavy themes. The series tackles Suzanne’s intricate familial relationships and the roots of her depression while delivering a constant stream of cringe-worthy comedy.
“I find it much harder to portray humor on screen than to express trauma,” Longpré admits, highlighting the intricate rhythm and timing required in comedic acting. “It’s a challenge.”
Breaking Comfort Zones
For Thomas Ngijol, who plays Mortimer, Suzanne’s colleague and eventual friend at the institute, the transition from stand-up comedy to drama presented its own set of challenges. “This role is a significant shift from my usual performances. It pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he explains. “While I’ve always been cautious about revealing my darker sides in my work as a comedian, this series allowed me to explore that aspect deeply—especially being in Canada where I’m viewed differently.”
A Showcase of Canadian Talent
Produced by the Canadian streaming platform Crave, Empathy marks a milestone as the first Canadian series to compete at Series Mania, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning television industry. Suzane Landry, Vice President of Development at Crave, shares: “We’re Canada’s only bilingual platform, reaching audiences in both French and English. This duality is essential for expanding our creative partnerships and drawing larger audiences.”
Amidst the discussions of cooperation with European partners, Landry sees potential for richer collaboration, influenced by shifting dynamics in global politics, particularly after the recent challenges faced under the previous U.S. administration. “Our unique bilingual and diverse programming makes us an attractive partner for international broadcasters,” she notes.
Looking Forward
Longpré and Ngijol are both enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing their journey together on-screen. “Beginning this chapter of my acting career in drama, so far from home, has been rewarding,” says Ngijol. He looks forward to returning to dramatic roles, especially with the camaraderie they developed during filming. Longpré emphatically adds, “I’m definitely hoping for his return in the second season!”
Empathy is set to premiere on Crave on April 10, promising viewers an engaging exploration of complex emotions wrapped in a comedic package.