Joséphine Jobert Embraces Her Warrior Spirit in "Saint-Pierre"
Joséphine Jobert has always been drawn to characters who exude strength and resilience. A medium once told her she had been a "warrior" in a past life, and the sentiment resonated deeply with her. Among her friends, she often assumes the role of protector, always ready to stand up for those she cares about. This innate sense of guardianship has become a defining part of her personality.
In her latest role as Genevieve "Arch" Archambault in the new series Saint-Pierre, Jobert fully embodies this warrior spirit. Arch, a Parisian cop, becomes the deputy chief on the French island of Saint-Pierre, just off the coast of Newfoundland. However, Saint-Pierre is not just another police drama; Jobert describes it as a character-driven narrative that explores the complexities of law enforcement while diving deep into the lives of those who serve.
A Character with Depth
Jobert's portrayal of Arch marks a shift from her naturally warm and open demeanor. Instead, Arch is serious, tough, and often guarded, occasionally revealing flashes of dark humor. Her past remains a mystery, unfolding gradually throughout the series. This complexity allows Jobert to channel her passion for strong female characters, a love she developed from watching pop culture icons like Jessica Alba in Dark Angel and Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider.
"I do boxing. I love to train at the gym," Jobert shares. "I've never been involved in a fight, but if I had to, I think I would just go for it." Her dedication to physical training not only fuels her on-screen presence but also reflects her real-life determination.
The Unique Setting of Saint-Pierre
One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is its setting. Jobert describes Saint-Pierre as, "It's French, but it's not. It's like Canada, but it's not." This duality mirrors her own experiences growing up. At the age of 12, she moved from France to Montreal, a transition she initially found difficult. However, Montreal’s blend of North American and French cultures profoundly shaped her, making her more adaptable and outspoken.
This theme of adaptation is a recurring one in her career. She has acted in both French and English across Europe, starring in the popular French youth series Foudre before landing a lead role in the British series Death in Paradise. In both cases, she played characters adjusting to new environments, much like her own life experiences. For her character Arch, Saint-Pierre represents both an escape and a new purpose.
A Story of Redemption
The series opens with co-lead Donny "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, who arrives on the island after a dramatic fall from grace. Once a high-ranking officer, Fitz is demoted and exiled to Saint-Pierre after his personal and professional lives became entangled in a very public way.
Unlike Fitz, Arch arrives first, but they both find themselves on the island due to less-than-ideal circumstances. Jobert reflects, "I think maybe that's how it started for them, but this island changed their lives. It ends up being something extraordinary for them."
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her love for playing strong, independent characters, stepping into the lead role of Saint-Pierre was not without its challenges. The night before filming began, Jobert found herself overwhelmed with nerves. "I was struggling to concentrate, to memorize my lines—I was freaking out," she admits. "The pressure was immense, and I spent the day on the phone with my family."
However, everything changed once she stepped onto the set. Starring opposite Allan Hawco, who plays Fitz and also co-created the show, Jobert quickly found her rhythm. "Did we have a chat to work out our characters' dynamic? Did we discuss finding our balance? Did I have to ask about Arch? No, we just stepped into it," she recalls.
A Role That Feels Like Home
For Jobert, Saint-Pierre is more than just another project; it’s a chance to bring a deeply personal, warrior-like energy to a role that resonates with her own journey. As Arch, she is fierce, determined, and unafraid to take on challenges—much like Jobert herself. The series promises to be an enthralling blend of action, drama, and personal transformation, set against the backdrop of a remote yet captivating island.
For more insights into Jobert's thoughts on representation, being bilingual, and her role in Saint-Pierre, check out her interview here:
