“Unforgivable Betrayal!” Clara Botte (Margot) Reacts to Akim and Cécile’s Deceit in ‘Un Si Grand Soleil’

Recently, Akim (Aïssam Medhem) made a dramatic return to “Un si grand soleil” ostensibly to seek clarity about his breakup. At least, that’s what he led everyone to believe…

In truth, Akim’s return to Montpellier was for a completely different reason: to infiltrate an arms trafficking operation. With the help of Commissioner Becker (Yvon Back) and Judge Alphand (Marie-Gaëlle Cals), he used his relationship troubles as a cover to stage a violent argument that led to Thierry’s fake death and subsequent incarceration.

But how will Margot react when she discovers the betrayal by the man she loved, as well as that of her sister?

Clara Botte, who plays Margot, opened up to Allociné about this storyline that promises intense tension between Margot and Cécile.

Allociné: Margot is currently at the center of a very intense storyline focusing on Akim’s return. Were you surprised to find their story taking such a tragic and brutal turn?

Clara Botte: I was surprised because the breakup was quite harsh. It seemed like Margot suddenly had no interest in being in a relationship after just a few episodes. It was abrupt, but at the same time, it was great because it added a lot of action. That’s what I had been wanting for my character from the start. I wanted Margot to be shaken up and to step out of her comfort zone. Then suddenly, many serious events unfolded.

The shooting of the dispute scene between Akim and Margot was incredibly intense. How did you prepare for this scene?

Aïssam and I talked a lot beforehand. He consistently asked if I was okay with him grabbing my arms, shaking me a bit. With each take, he made sure I was okay and not in pain. For my part, I told him to go for it because that physical intensity helped me dive into a very real energy and my reactions were naturally more intense.

Until now, Margot was often seen as a strong, almost unshakeable character. Between the hostage situation and Akim’s latest antics, we see a whole new side of her. Did you enjoy exploring this more vulnerable facet?

I love playing scenes that are emotionally intense rather than those requiring more light-heartedness. I love comedy, but I had things inside me to express, things I needed to release. However, it’s true that it’s draining to perform. For several months, I filmed almost exclusively scenes where I had to cry. Whether we’re acting or not, the body doesn’t know the difference. As soon as you start crying a bit, you quickly get drained. It’s exhausting physically and mentally. At the end of this arc, I had a moment of fatigue where I thought, “Wow, that was intense.” But despite that, I’m eager to see the result because I know these are powerful scenes.

We will eventually discover that Akim was actually on a covert mission and that Cécile was in on it. Were you aware of this plot twist and how did you react when you found out?

I wasn’t aware. I found out one morning while I was in makeup (laughs). I really thought Akim had killed Thierry and that he was going to end up in prison. The scriptwriters really have wild imaginations.

How will Margot react upon discovering that the two people she loves the most have betrayed her?

Cécile is truly the person Margot admires the most. She has been following in her footsteps from the start. They studied the same subjects, live together, and are very close. So learning that her own sister, in whom she had absolute trust, was in on it, is incredibly harsh. It’s brutally shocking. And especially, why? For her job? For a mission? At some point, it becomes unforgivable in her eyes.

Will they reconcile?

I’m not sure yet how their relationship will evolve. For now, Margot doesn’t want to hear from her sister. For her, it’s a true betrayal. She will need time.

Margot interacts little with characters outside her family or the cabinet members. Can we hope to see her form new friendships or move in different circles of the series?

It would be nice for her to have friends and her own apartment too (laughs). It would allow her to evolve in another way. It could be interesting to explore all that.

Do you have any other projects outside the series that you can tell us about?

I filmed an episode of César Wagner for France 2 a few months ago, which we shot in a cabaret in Strasbourg. Besides that, I’ve directed a short film that is currently in post-production. It will soon be finished, and I can’t wait to share it. I’m also looking to explore other avenues. I enjoy multitasking as it keeps me stimulated. I’m getting back into photography, dabbling in modeling again, and I’m drawn to different areas like yoga, nutrition, and wellness. These are fields that greatly interest me.