Canal+ has released *Singapura*, a new French fiction series adapted from Elsa Marpeau's 2013 novel *L’expatriée*. The show unfolds within a luxury condominium in Singapore, a city-state portrayed as a closed, oppressive environment where residents live under constant surveillance. The narrative centers on Justine, played by Nailia Harzoune, a journalist who moves to Singapore with her husband and stepdaughter, only to become entangled in the mysterious disappearance of her friend Elisa, portrayed by Ariane Labed. The series blends elements of thriller, social drama, and psychological tension, drawing comparisons to *The White Lotus* and *Desperate Housewives* due to its depiction of superficial wealth masking deep-seated interpersonal conflicts and power dynamics. [1]
The series is rooted in the real-life experiences of creator Elsa Marpeau, who lived in Singapore intermittently for ten years, including two full years. Marpeau recalls the intense social pressure and isolation she felt as an expatriate, describing a climate where every action was scrutinized by neighbors. She shares anecdotes of being questioned immediately after a minor mistake, such entering the wrong apartment, illustrating a pervasive atmosphere where privacy was nonexistent. This personal history informs the show’s depiction of the psychological toll of living in a hyper-regulated society where rumors spread instantly and social conformity is enforced through subtle but relentless judgment. [1]
*Singapura* also addresses harsher realities, particularly the treatment of domestic workers, primarily depicted as Filipino maids. Marpeau, who witnessed exploitative conditions firsthand, notes that the show reflects actual abuses, such as mistresses allowing pets to sleep on beds while servants slept on the floor. These dynamics highlight the stark inequalities within the expatriate community and the vulnerability of those dependent on employer goodwill. The series uses these tensions to explore themes of domination, exploitation, and the moral compromises made by those seeking refuge in wealth abroad. [1]
Despite its setting, most of the series was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand, due to Singapore’s strict censorship laws and logistical challenges. Nailia Harzoune, who plays Justine, described the experience of visiting Singapore for only three days of filming as deeply unsettling. She cited regulations prohibiting simple acts like chewing gum and recounted stories of severe penalties for minor infractions, such as a maid surviving a fall from a twelve-story building only to face legal repercussions. The production team relied on Thai locations to recreate Singapore’s urban landscape, using atmospheric cues to evoke the city-state’s reputation as a place where freedom is curtailed by rigid social and legal controls. [1]
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