The captivating French crime drama that served as the inspiration for the American series High Potential has arrived on Disney+, and according to enthusiastic viewers, the original surpasses its adaptation in both quality and entertainment value.
The Premise of a Genius Cleaner
HIP: High Intellectual Potential follows the extraordinary story of Morgane, a 38-year-old mother of three whose life takes an unexpected turn. Working as a cleaner, her hidden genius is discovered when her remarkable IQ of 160 comes to light. The police, recognising her unique intellectual capabilities, recruit her to assist in solving complex cases involving highly intelligent criminals.
The series has garnered an impressive IMDb rating of 7.6 out of 10, based on nearly 4,000 viewer reviews, signalling its widespread appeal and quality. While the show is available with English dubbing, a consensus among fans strongly recommends experiencing it in its original French language with subtitles for maximum enjoyment.
Viewer Praise for Authentic Experience
Audiences have taken to online platforms to share their admiration for the series. One viewer highlighted the show's distinctive humour, drawing comparisons to the beloved BBC series Death in Paradise. They emphasised the importance of watching in French, noting that the dubbed version fails to capture the authentic vocal nuances and comedic timing of the original performances.
The character of Morgane, portrayed with chaotic brilliance, has been particularly praised. Her unconventional, graphic, and anti-procedural approach to detective work is described as utterly captivating. The ensemble cast works together impeccably, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
Superior to the American Adaptation
Many viewers discovered HIP through its American counterpart, High Potential, but after watching the original, they assert its superiority. Fans describe the French series as offering a more unique, extreme, and politically incorrect take on the premise, resulting in a funnier and more compelling narrative.
The authenticity of the original language is repeatedly emphasised. The specific choice of words, vocal intonations, and stylistic delivery are credited with giving each character a distinct personality from their very first appearance on screen, elements that are often lost in translation through dubbing.
Another Critically Acclaimed Drama on Disney+
In related streaming news, Disney+ also offers the critically acclaimed crime drama Under the Banner of Heaven. Based on Jon Krakauer's 2003 novel, this series delves into a harrowing true story, exploring the murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her infant daughter in the Salt Lake Valley.
The show, which stars Andrew Garfield as Detective Jeb Pyre, investigates the crime while uncovering buried truths about the origins of the LDS religion and the violent consequences of rigid faith. With an ensemble cast including Gil Birmingham, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Sam Worthington, the series has earned an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Praised as one of the most fascinating shows of the decade, it masterfully blends mystery, drama, and historical insight, building suspense through measured pacing and deep character development.
HIP: High Intellectual Potential is available to stream on Disney+ now, offering viewers a chance to experience the original series that has captivated audiences and outshone its American inspiration.
