If you’ve spent any time browsing international streaming platforms lately—specifically the "International Crime Drama" section—you’ve likely been captivated by a tall, expressive brunette with an incredible knack for playing brilliant but slightly chaotic investigators. That’s Lola Dewaere. For some, she’s the face of the massive hit Astrid et Raphaëlle (known simply as Astrid on PBS). For others, she’s a powerhouse of French cinema who managed to step out from the long, complicated shadow of her father, the legendary and tragic Patrick Dewaere.
Honestly, her career trajectory is wild. She didn't just walk into a studio and get handed a script because of her last name. In fact, for a long time, she wanted nothing to do with acting. It took a near-fatal car accident, a stint in real estate, and a whole lot of soul-searching before she finally gave in to the "family business."
The Astrid et Raphaëlle Phenomenon
You can't talk about Lola Dewaere movies and tv shows without starting with the juggernaut that is Astrid et Raphaëlle. If you haven't seen it, the premise sounds like a standard procedural: a neurodivergent archivist with a photographic memory (Astrid, played by Sara Mortensen) teams up with a hot-headed, impulsive police commander (Raphaëlle, played by Lola).
But it’s the chemistry that sells it.
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Lola plays Raphaëlle Coste with this messy, lived-in energy. She’s the one who forgets her keys, drinks too much coffee, and follows her gut instead of the rulebook. It’s the perfect foil to Astrid’s rigid structure. What’s truly impressive is how Lola manages to make Raphaëlle empathetic without being patronizing. As of early 2026, the show has reached its seventh season, and fans are still obsessed with the slow-burn friendship—and the occasional romantic tension—that defines the series.
Beyond the Precinct: Mademoiselle Holmes
In 2024, Lola took on a role that felt like a natural evolution of her "detective" brand, but with a weird, quirky twist. Mademoiselle Holmes sees her playing Charlie Holmes, the great-granddaughter of Sherlock Holmes.
Before you roll your eyes at another Sherlock spin-off, hear me out.
Charlie isn't a high-functioning sociopath. She’s a shy, unassuming police officer living with her grandfather until a sudden surge of "Holmesian" deduction skills—often triggered by her bipolar disorder and a change in medication—turns her world upside down. It’s a risky portrayal of mental health mixed with a mystery-of-the-week format. Lola nails the transition from the "invisible" wallflower to the sharp-tongued genius. It proved she could carry a show entirely on her own shoulders without a co-lead to bounce off of.
Essential Lola Dewaere Filmography
If you're looking to dive deeper into her work, you sort of have to look at the movies that defined her early years. She wasn't always a TV star.
- Mince alors! (Big Is Beautiful, 2012): This was her big break. She played Nina, a woman sent to a weight-loss clinic by her husband. It’s a comedy, sure, but it deals with body image in a way that felt very fresh for French cinema at the time. She earned a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress for this one.
- Mince alors 2! (2021): She returned to the role of Nina nearly a decade later. It's rare for a sequel to feel earned, but this one explored how the characters had aged and shifted their perspectives on health and self-worth.
- Tu es si jolie ce soir (2014): A much darker turn. Directed by Jean-Pierre Mocky, this film showed her range in the thriller genre, far away from the lightheartedness of her comedy work.
- Patrick Dewaere, mon héros (2022): This is a documentary, but it's essential viewing. Lola narrates this deeply personal look at her father’s life. Hearing her voice guide us through the archives of a man she barely knew—he died when she was only two—is heartbreaking and beautiful.
The "Crime dans..." Collection
If you watch French TV, you’ve probably noticed the "Crime in [Location]" series. It's basically a collection of standalone TV movies set in beautiful French regions. Lola became a staple of these, particularly playing Caroline Martinez.
- Crime dans le Luberon (2018)
- Crime dans l’Hérault (2019)
- Crime dans le Larzac (2020)
These movies are sort of the "comfort food" of Lola Dewaere movies and tv shows. They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. They offer great scenery, a solid mystery, and Lola’s signature "no-nonsense" screen presence. They were massive ratings hits in France, often pulling in over 5 million viewers, which is huge for a Tuesday night broadcast.
Why She’s Different
What most people get wrong about Lola is assuming she's just a TV actress. There's a grit to her work that feels very 1970s—ironically, a lot like her father. She has this "everywoman" quality. When she’s on screen, she looks like someone you’d actually meet at a bistro, not a polished Hollywood starlet who’s never seen a carb.
She’s also been incredibly vocal about her struggles. She’s talked about the car accident in 2001 that left her with several broken bones in her face and years of reconstructive surgery. She’s talked about being "the daughter of" and how that made her run away from acting until her late 20s. That honesty translates to her characters. There’s no ego there.
Recent Projects and What's Next (2025-2026)
Moving into 2026, Lola has been diversifying. She recently appeared in the photocall for Je Sais Pas at the La Rochelle Fiction Festival, a project that has sparked a lot of buzz for being a departure from her usual procedural fare.
There are also rumors of her moving behind the camera, though she’s remained tight-lipped about a directorial debut. For now, the focus remains on the eighth season of Astrid, which is currently in pre-production.
How to Watch
If you’re in the US or UK, your best bet for catching the bulk of her work is:
- PBS / Walter Presents: They hold the rights to Astrid and have been instrumental in making her a household name for subtitles-lovers.
- TV5Monde: If you want the "Crime dans..." movies, this is the place to look.
- Amazon Prime / Apple TV: Many of her films, like Mince alors!, are available for rent or via international add-on channels.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To truly appreciate the scope of Lola Dewaere’s talent, don't just stick to the newest episodes of Astrid. Start by watching the 2022 documentary Patrick Dewaere, mon héros to understand the emotional weight she carries into her roles. Follow that with the original Mince alors! to see her comedic timing, and then jump into Mademoiselle Holmes to see her latest evolution.
If you're trying to track her newest releases, keep an eye on the "Walter Presents" section of your streaming service, as they tend to snatch up her work as soon as it's translated.