Plot Synopsis

Based on the true events that shook France in 2011 and Ivan Jablonka's 2016 book, "Laetitia ou la fin des hommes," LAETITIA is a limited series that dramatizes the disappearance of 18-year-old Laetitia and the repercussions that follow her twin sister Jessica. Left to reconstruct the teenager's final hours for answers, investigators begin to uncover deeply troubling details of Laetitia and Jessica's upbringing. As they search to uncover the details behind her final days, this highly polarizing case casts a sharp eye on France's legal system, police force, social services and how a single act of violence can impact an entire country. Episodes include:

Episode 1 (U.S. premiere on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 9pm): 2011. After 18-year-old Laetitia's family discovers her abandoned scooter, detectives launch an exhaustive search. While local repeat offender Tony Meilhon quickly emerges as the prime suspect, he stonewalls the investigation, forcing the police to refocus their efforts on reconstructing Laetitia's final moments. Back in 1995, the twins' home life deteriorates. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Episode 2 (U.S. premiere on Monday, September 6, 2021): With Meilhon in temporary custody, the detectives intensify their efforts to keep him behind bars permanently, questioning those closest to Laetitia about her recent state of mind -- including her devastated twin sister Jessica. In 1996, the twins begin a harrowing journey of displacement after their mother checks herself into a clinic. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Episode 3 (U.S. premiere on Monday, September 13, 2021): As the days continue to pass without any sign of Laetitia, Jessica grows increasingly distraught -- prompting Detective Touchais to throw himself deeper into the victim's habits. Meanwhile, Laetitia's case catches the attention of the president, and later, both the twins' and Meilhon's volatile childhoods are explored. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Episode 4 (U.S. premiere on Monday, September 20, 2021): After a partial break in the case, the highly troubling pathology report drives an irreparable wedge in public opinion of the legal system. Now facing increased pressure to solve the case, Detective Touchais leans on Beatrice Prieur, the twins' longtime social worker, for more information about their past. In 2005, Laetitia and Jessica meet the Patrons. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Episode 5 (U.S. premiere on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10pm): After Jessica reveals a memory about her sister and Meilhon suddenly starts talking, Touchais scrambles to fill in the outstanding gaps. As crucial pieces of Laetitia's case begin to take shape, disturbing details come to light about someone close to the teenagers. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

Episode 6 (U.S. premiere on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10pm): As disturbing new allegations surface, Beatrice meets with Touchais to share the full extent of her complicated history with the twins. Later, Jessica confronts her birth and adoptive parents for her own peace. Written by Antoine Lacomblez & Jean-Xavier de Lestrade; Directed by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

In 2019, The Sundance Film Festival presented the first two episodes of this series, followed by a Q&A with director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade.