Mystery in Saint-Tropez is a French comedy directed by Nicolas Benamou, released in theaters in 2021. Co-written by Christian Clavier and Jean-François Halin, the film features Christian Clavier, Benoît Poelvoorde, and Thierry Lhermitte in a rollicking comic mystery set along the French Riviera in the early 1970s. After its television debut, the feature will join the Netflix catalog on February 4, 2026.
August 1970. As every summer, billionaire Claude Tranchant and his wife Éliane host the crème de la crème of show business at their villa in Saint-Tropez. The festivities are abruptly interrupted when the couple’s convertible is sabotaged. Convinced he narrowly escaped a murder attempt, Tranchant calls in the best detective in Paris.
During the busy summer season, only Inspector Boulin, just weeks from retirement, is available. As vain as he is inept, this detective with very unconventional methods arrives in Saint-Tropez to crack the case. His clumsiness and misplaced confidence soon turn the investigation into a comedy of errors and absurd situations.
Without giving away the plot twists, the film plays on the stark contrast between the ostentatious luxury of the setting, the carefree summer atmosphere, and the obvious ineptitude of the investigator, layering misunderstandings until the mystery becomes a satirical parody.
Intended as a self-aware homage, Mystère à Saint-Tropez celebrates the legacy of slapstick police comedies, with clear nods to Blake Edwards’ films, particularly the Pink Panther series. The project originated from an initial story developed by Christian Clavier and Jean-Marie Poiré, before Nicolas Benamou took the helm to refine the screenplay alongside Jean-François Halin.
The production paid special attention to recreating the 1970s ambiance. The interior of the Saint-Tropez villa was entirely rebuilt on a studio set, while sets and costumes—designed by Fabienne Katany and Isabelle De Araujo—favor authenticity over parody, incorporating direct references to fashion and objects from the era.
The tone primarily appeals to fans of quirky police comedies in the vein of Le Crime est notre affaire. The pacing relies on a series of absurd situations and the contrast between the confident façade of Inspector Boulin and his chronic ineffectiveness, set against a glamorous, summer backdrop.
Mystère à Saint-Tropez
Film | 2021
Release date in theaters: July 14, 2021
Available on Netflix on February 4, 2026
Comedy | Runtime: 1h31
Directed by Nicolas Benamou | Starring Christian Clavier, Benoît Poelvoorde, Thierry Lhermitte
Original title: Mystère à Saint-Tropez
Country: France
With its star-studded cast and a penchant for the slapstick, Mystère à Saint-Tropez offers an intentionally shaky investigation where humor outweighs suspense. The film fits within the tradition of popular French comedies that rely on caricature and performances rather than authentic police realism.
Blending retro vibes, absurd humor, and a colorful cast of characters, this summer comedy finds a new audience on Netflix—an ideal platform for family viewing and rediscovery.
To explore more, check out our selection of the Netflix highlights for February, our guide to latest streaming releases across platforms, and today’s pick of what to watch in streaming today.
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