‘Shafted’ (2025) Netflix Series Review - Navigating Midlife in Modern Paris

Netflix's Shafted brings a fresh, Parisian twist to the messy, often overlooked era of middle age, blending humor, reflection, and a touch of chaos. The story follows four lifelong friends—Cédric, Tom, Jérémie, and Tonio—as they confront the unpredictability of midlife, from faltering marriages to career setbacks, all while trying to maintain the bonds of friendship that have carried them through the years.

Cédric, a steadfast family man who’s long defined himself through his role as husband and father, suddenly finds his life shaken when his wife decides to reignite her passion for art. Watching her reclaim a part of herself he had never truly understood leaves Cédric feeling sidelined, forcing him to reevaluate not just their relationship but his own identity. His struggles reflect the subtle tensions that can creep into a long-term marriage, and his journey is both poignant and, at times, hilariously self-aware.

Meanwhile, Tom, the once-successful entrepreneur with a taste for risk, is no longer the golden boy. After his start-up folds in spectacular fashion, he’s left scrambling for relevance in a world that seems to have moved on without him. Watching Tom stumble through awkward job interviews and moments of raw insecurity highlights the precarious balance between ambition and the realities of an aging workforce.

Jérémie, the group’s perennial bachelor and proud cynic, has his carefully curated single life upended when he meets a woman who challenges everything he thought he knew about love. His evolution from a commitment-phobic dater to someone contemplating a shared future injects both comedy and tenderness into the series. He’s the friend you simultaneously root for and want to shake some sense into, a perfect foil for the more grounded Cédric and Tom.

Tonio, the fourth member of this chaotic quartet, provides a counterpoint to the rest. The workaholic corporate executive who’s built a life of material success finds himself wondering if it’s all been worth it. As he struggles with burnout and the weight of sacrifices made for his career, Tonio’s arc touches on the universal desire for meaning and balance in an achievement-driven world. His moments of quiet reflection are some of the series’ most affecting.

The city of Paris acts as more than a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. The series beautifully captures the charm of its cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and vibrant city life. Yet, the show doesn’t romanticize its setting. It uses the city’s contrasts—the bustling energy and the quiet corners—to mirror the characters’ emotional landscapes. One moment, Paris feels like an endless playground for possibility; the next, it’s an isolating maze where these friends are just trying to find their footing.

Where Shafted shines brightest is in its depiction of friendship. The easy camaraderie between the four leads is the glue holding the series together. Their shared history is felt in every sarcastic jab, exasperated sigh, and heartfelt moment of support. The show is unafraid to dig into the cracks of their friendships—resentments left unspoken, jokes that cut a little too close to the bone—without losing sight of the love and loyalty that binds them.

That said, Shafted isn’t without its flaws. At times, the show’s humor edges into overly familiar territory. A few jokes feel lifted from the “midlife crisis handbook,” and some situations are a touch too convenient to be believable. For example, Tom’s professional missteps occasionally veer into sitcom-level absurdity, which can undercut the more grounded tone of his storyline. Similarly, the series’ exploration of masculinity—though a noble effort—sometimes feels surface-level, hinting at deeper themes without fully committing to them.

The pacing also falters in spots. Certain subplots, like Jérémie’s romantic awakening, feel rushed, while others, such as Tonio’s existential work crisis, occasionally drag. These imbalances don’t derail the series, but they do leave some arcs feeling less satisfying than others.

Despite these imperfections, Shafted succeeds because it understands that life’s messiness doesn’t have to be a spectacle. The stakes are intimate, the conflicts relatable, and the resolutions imperfect—just like real life. The series leans into this authenticity, creating a world where even the smallest triumphs feel meaningful.

There’s also a refreshing lack of preachiness in its storytelling. The show doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. Instead, it trusts the audience to sit with the discomfort of unanswered questions and unresolved tensions. It’s a reminder that midlife isn’t about “having it all figured out”; it’s about learning to live with what you don’t know.

The cast’s performances are central to the series’ success. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their role, making even the most frustrating decisions feel understandable. Their chemistry is undeniable, anchoring the show in a sense of authenticity that keeps you invested, even when the plot occasionally stumbles.

Shafted isn’t revolutionary, but it doesn’t need to be. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its willingness to explore the everyday struggles of middle age with humor and heart. It’s a show that finds beauty in the mundane and meaning in the mess, leaving you with a smile even as it acknowledges life’s imperfections.

In a streaming landscape often dominated by high-concept dramas and flashy comedies, Shafted is a quiet, unassuming gem. It may not leave you breathless, but it will leave you reflecting on your own relationships, your own struggles, and the friends who’ve helped you weather them. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times