In the gripping third episode of Anthracite, titled "Trust No One," the intricate layers of deceit and conspiracy surrounding the Écrins cult in the French Alps town of Levionna continue to unravel, revealing a chilling past and a present fraught with danger. As Ida, Jaro, and Giovanna delve deeper into the case, they find themselves entangled in a web of secrets that threaten to consume them all.
The episode opens with a chilling 1994 flashback, showing Juliette being stabbed during Roxane's wake at their high school, a crime that echoes through the years as its implications become clearer. Giovanna, following her instincts, heads to the old cult house, where she uncovers a shocking secret: Denis, who had joined the cult hoping for a cure for his dementia, had killed Derevko during a healing ritual and later poisoned the other disciples to cover his tracks. This revelation shatters the belief that the 1994 mass deaths were suicides, adding a new dimension to the cult's dark history.
As Ida and Jaro navigate their growing attraction and the complexities of their investigation, they find solace in each other's company, with Ida suggesting they use intimacy to calm her nerves. However, their respite is short-lived as they are drawn further into the mystery. Ida, honoring Marie's wishes, investigates Denis' house alone and discovers documents relating to an apartment complex called Horizon Prestige. This leads her and Giovanna to an abandoned building where they are knocked out and taken elsewhere, adding yet another layer to the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Jaro's past catches up with him as Eddy, a thug from Paris, arrives in Levionna, causing havoc and violence in his wake. Eddy's presence not only endangers Jaro but also Romeo, whose dog Brad is shot by Eddy. This act of cruelty pushes Romeo to seek retribution, further entangling him in the escalating conflict.
As the investigation progresses, Jaro and Romeo seek out Détraz, a hermit who is believed to hold the key to the cult's secrets. Their journey is fraught with danger, culminating in a harrowing car chase that ends with them crashing and barely escaping Eddy's gunshots. Undeterred, they find their way to Détraz's house, where they make a horrifying discovery: Ida's father, Solal, is being held captive, setting the stage for a tense standoff.
The episode concludes with a series of cliffhangers that leave the audience on the edge of their seats. Giovanna, suspended from her duties, grapples with her family's future as her husband Erwan considers relocation. Meanwhile, Ida and Giovanna, after discovering a tent full of dead sheep and being drugged, are left at the mercy of mysterious figures in hazmat suits, suggesting a connection to Arcacia Labs and its secretive experiments.
"Trust No One" is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a complex narrative that keeps viewers guessing. The episode expertly balances character development with plot progression, ensuring that the stakes are as high for the characters as they are for the audience. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, the truth behind the cult's activities and the town's current turmoil emerges as a chilling reminder of the power of fear and the depths of human depravity. With each revelation, Anthracite cements its status as a thriller that will keep audiences captivated until the very end.