The opening shot of The Billionaire, the Butler, and the Boyfriend lingers on a lavish Parisian apartment, its walls lined with priceless art, as the camera slowly pans to reveal Liliane Bettencourt, the world’s wealthiest woman, surrounded by stacks of cash. This is no ordinary documentary—it’s a grim fairy tale about greed, manipulation, and the rot at the heart of extreme wealth.

The series, directed by French filmmaker [REDACTED], follows the explosive feud between Bettencourt (L’Oréal heiress) and her daughter Françoise Bettencourt Meyers. At its core, it’s a story about exploitation: how Bettencourt’s vulnerable later years were preyed upon by François-Marie Banier, a charismatic photographer turned gigolo who allegedly swindled billions from her. The docuseries leans heavily into archival footage—Bettencourt’s own shaky-cam recordings of Banier, courtroom hearings, and interviews with journalists—creating an immersive, almost cinematic retelling of the scandal.

Where the series excels is in its pacing and structure. Each episode meticulously unpacks the layers of deception, weaving together personal betrayal, legal battles, and political intrigue (former French president Nicolas Sarkozy makes a cameo as part of the saga). The use of Bettencourt’s own voice recordings is particularly chilling; her trembling vulnerability contrasts sharply with Banier’s smooth, calculating demeanor. One standout moment is when she hesitantly asks him, “Will you still love me if I give you money?”—a line that lingers long after the scene ends.

The performances (or lack thereof) are a mixed bag. Since this is a docuseries, the cast consists almost entirely of real people in archival footage. Bettencourt’s frailty and desperation are heartbreaking to watch, while Banier oozes charm, making it easy to see how he manipulated her. Sarkozy’s brief appearance adds a layer of political scandal, though his role feels tangential.

The series falters when it tries to juggle too many threads—Bettencourt’s deteriorating mental state, the legal battles, and the broader implications of wealth inequality. At times, the narrative feels cluttered, as if the filmmakers were unsure which angle to prioritize. The political subplot involving Sarkozy, while intriguing, doesn’t quite gel with the central story of familial betrayal.

Still, The Billionaire, the Butler, and the Boyfriend is a riveting watch, a cautionary tale about power, manipulation, and the lengths people will go for money.

Tags: François-Marie Banier, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, Liliane Bettencourt, The Billionaire, the Butler, and the Boyfriend