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Irma Vep
"Life imitates art."
Overview
Mira is an American movie star disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup, who comes to France to star as “Irma Vep” in a remake of the French silent film classic, “Les Vampires.” Set against the backdrop of a lurid crime thriller, Mira struggles as the distinctions between herself and the character she plays begin to blur and merge.
Status
Ended
Created By
Olivier Assayas
Network
HBO
Seasons & Episodes
Miniseries
Episodes
The Severed Head
When disillusioned A-list Hollywood actress Mira Harberg arrives in Paris to immerse herself in the coveted role of iconic villainous Irma Vep in a remake of Feuillade’s The Vampires, an encounter with her former lover Laurie reignites dormant passions. Meanwhile, the project’s acclaimed director Rene Vidal struggles as production woes threaten to derail his vision.
The Ring That Kills
As René’s erratic behavior continues to threaten the production, Mira clashes with her agent, Zelda, about the future of her career – before assuming the role of Irma Vep for the first time. Meanwhile, costume designer Zoé deals with an unusual request from an actor as she attempts to connect with Mira.
Dead Man's Escape
A surprising heart-to-heart with her ill-mannered co-star Gottfried causes Mira to revisit her past, while René is haunted by his relationship with his ex-wife – who played the role of Irma Vep in his 1996 film. Later, a breakthrough with Edmond leads to another on-set catastrophe.
The Poisoner
Mira courts offers from both her agent and the production’s financier, who promises a lucrative – but morally compromising – advertising deal. When actress Cynthia Keng arrives on set, René experiences a crisis of faith – and turns to his star for advice. Later, Mira plays hard to get before receiving an unexpected visitor.
Hypnotic Eyes
After shooting an iconic moment in which Moreno kidnaps Irma Vep, René faces backlash over the scene’s sexual implications. Unwilling to waver, René cites attempted censorship of 1916’s The Vampires – and original Irma Vep’s courageous fight to keep her film alive. Meanwhile, Mira deals with complex emotions as she sinks deeper into her character.
The Thunder Master
After an epic blow-up on set, the fate of Rene's series is put in jeopardy. Rene gets a visit from a ghost as the production team considers taking The Vampires in a new direction that would reunite Mira with a figure from her past. All the while, Mira grows more entwined with her role as Irma Vep.
The Spectre
Mira uses her newfound powers as Irma Vep to probe deeper into the lives of those around her. Regina shares news that threatens to upend her relationship with Mira. Mira experiences a spiritual breakthrough after a visit with Rene.
The Terrible Wedding
In her final days shooting The Vampires, Mira grapples with her experience playing Irma Vep coming to a close. Regina looks toward her next chapter as a filmmaker, while Mira channels the spirit of Irma Vep to pursue a career-defining opportunity.
Top Cast
Alicia Vikander
Mira Harberg
Vincent Macaigne
René Vidal
Lars Eidinger
Gottfried
Devon Ross
Regina
Nora Hamzawi
Carla
Jeanne Balibar
Zoe
Adria Arjona
Laurie
Byron Bowers
Herman
Vincent Lacoste
Edmond Lagrange
Alex Descas
Gregory Desormeaux
Fala Chen
Cynthia Keng
Hippolyte Girardot
Robert Danjou
