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The strengths here are the drama and the scenery, but it falls short on tempo and how plot twists are connected to the main storyline and cues. It's not like you would think "Of course! Why did I not think of that? That was clever!" Instead, it is like you watch some drama that you become invested in, but in the end, it does not matter much. So, they could have portrayed almost anything to provide filling time. Based on a book I haven't read, I cannot comment on the adaptation, but I strongly suspect you would not feel the same disconnect reading the book. Ultimately, this mini series feels unsatisfying as a murder mystery series, which unfortunately was my main expectation going in. But, if you just want some slow moving drama spiced with murder mysteries and a 70's collective imagery to go with it (and along with that, contentions on sexual liberty and political themes of the day), this is totally worth watching. And then you might land on a better rating as well.

This is so much more than just a murder story. It's also a brilliant semi-dramatic and quite touching story about Annie, Mia and Birger's lives living in the middle of nowhere (and then some) somewhere in Sweden. The first episode I was confused but I quickly understood the method of storytelling, and I was intrigued so I kept watching. After episode 2 I was hooked. I was a bit creeped out by the realization of how difficult things were back then (1973) without access to the technology we have today, and that made me feel like this show is special from a lot of other crime stories. Some events I guessed pretty early what was going on, and other events had me surprised.

The calm but yet hostile atmosphere that was presented in ep 1 was managed throughout. I'd say this is a relaxing watch for anyone interested in fictional crime.

The series proceeds at a methodical pace akin to travel in the remote area of Sweden that it's set in. It was confusing at first with the jumps from 1973 to 1991 but once one got to grips with who the characters were and how they changed with age, the episodes were easy enough to follow.

I don't care about the anachronisms of certain cars being manufactured after the events or products shown not existing till later in the century. To me, the atmosphere and surroundings evoked by the different years were convincing.

There were two unexplained deaths - murders - in the two years covered by the series. The perp of the earlier incident was clearly not the main suspect but it took me till episode five to be sure of who it really was. Unfortunately, the 1991 murder was signalled far less delicately in the script and it was pretty obvious who'd done it.

I loved the touches such as the party ferries between Finland and Sweden. I've been on them in the 80s and 90s as well as the ones between Finland and Estonia. The remote vastness of the north with its untarmacked roads evoked strong memories of when I lived in Finland - our cottage only had a dirt road to it even though we were in the south. So many of the buildings and landscapes of where I lived were similar to areas in the series.

In short, even without the memories, I'd have loved this and recommend it.

Top reviews. A crime series you just have to watch, I read. Could this live up to expectations?

After watching it, my answer is both yes and no.

No, in the sense that the series is not very exciting after a brutal double murder. A strange investigation starts and we quickly understand that this will take time to be solved. It is a slow crime story. You have to be patient here.

Not bad, but cumbersome and time-consuming.

What I have to admit I liked the most were the incredible characters and environments that are portrayed in this series by some of Sweden's very best actors. The series is about two different eras, and manages to juggle between them well. It is particularly in the era that is about the 70s that I find exciting and interesting. A sect that wants to turn its back on society, small-time criminal villagers, a mysterious Finnish woman appears and more. This is incredibly well described and an insight into a recent past.

In sum, I would therefore recommend the series. But don't expect a crime thriller with lots of action, but a comprehensive story that is carefully uncovered.

This Series may not deliver the suspenseful crime thriller some might expect, but it offers a deep, moody experience that's rich in atmosphere and character. The story moves between the 1970s and 1991, exploring a mysterious double murder, a strange commune, and complex people with buried secrets. The timeline, however, is a bit confusing-actors in the '90s scenes look far too old for characters who should only have aged 18 years since the '70s. It's distracting and breaks the immersion.

The commune itself feels intentionally unsettling-sexually exploitative and strangely cultish. Meanwhile, the logging family is almost cartoonishly violent, making some scenes feel over the top. These elements are clearly meant to challenge viewers, but they can be frustrating to watch.

The setting and acting are definite highlights. The 1970s sequences are especially well done, capturing the mood and ideology of that time in Sweden. However, the story doesn't always connect its twists smoothly, and the final scene feels more like a twist for shock value than something truly meaningful.

If you're hoping for a tight crime plot, this might disappoint. But as a slow-moving character drama with Nordic flair, it is more than decent. Just be prepared for some odd character and performer choices (I can only imagine that Alba August is "pushed" into so many films and series due to her parents only).

Overall, okay watching if you enjoy thoughtful pacing, quirky characters, and a moody 70s setting more than a fast-paced mystery.