Avis des utilisateurs

Set in 1993, this series delves into a riveting narrative as it unfolds in the backdrop of an intriguing and ominous forest: A young girl's tragic demise on a flower bed serves as the grim catalyst for this dark tale. Enter East German detective Ulrike Bandow (Henriette Confurius) and her enigmatic counterpart from Hamburg, Koray Larssen (Fahri Yardim), as they courageously step into the shadows to unearth the truth behind this sinister crime. Puzzling clues propel the investigators into the complex tapestry of East-West German history, revealing a spine-chilling series of murders previously concealed. The stakes escalate as it becomes chillingly evident that the malevolent perpetrator has returned to the very origins of this nightmare. To confront and halt this terror, the mismatched duo must forge an unlikely alliance, learning to place their trust in each other. Yet, lurking within the shadows is Larssen's concealed agenda, and Ulrike finds herself facing her own haunting past, adding layers of depth to this gripping tale.

I am usually not a big fan of German crime series, but if you like 'Dark' and 'Der Pass', this one is for you. The plot is finely woven, revealing itself in a suspenseful and engaging manner. The script strikes a perfect balance, providing enough twists to keep viewers on the edge of their seats without losing the essence of the story. The dialogue is not just informative but also authentic, adding depth to the characters and propelling the narrative forward.

When it comes to direction, the series doesn't disappoint. The visual storytelling is captivating, with scenes meticulously framed to enhance the sense of suspense and intrigue. The forest, adorned with mysterious runes, becomes an eerie and atmospheric backdrop that plays its own role in the unfolding drama. The pacing is well-managed, allowing for adequate build-up and maintaining a sense of anticipation throughout.

And then there's the acting. Henriette Confurius and Fahri Yardim, in the roles of Ulrike Bandow and Koray Larssen, bring their characters to life with finesse. Confurius embodies Ulrike's determination and vulnerability, while Yardim portrays Larssen's enigmatic persona impeccably. Their on-screen chemistry adds an extra layer of excitement, making the viewing experience all the more enjoyable.

In essence, the show is a must-see, masterfully blending exceptional storytelling, skillful direction, and remarkable performances. Each episode promises an exhilarating mix of plot development, visual allure, and captivating acting that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.

This was pretty bad. A ridiculous story involving superstition and messages from spirits. I also had difficulty understanding why an actor of Turkish descent had been chosen to play a cop with a quintessentially Germanic name like Larssen.

Neither did I swallow the side story about the ex-lover and son. Both Larssen and his lover were clearly being followed and observed. Very careless to leave incriminating evidence around that led to blackmail.

The weirdo family in the forest were a ridiculous addition to the mix. Added to werewolves and spirit-ravens that give the game away the plot got weaker and weaker.

In the end, no one "nice" got killed despite red herrings indicating the contrary. It all ended happily ever after.

Honestly it was totally risible.

This series opens in a forest in East Germany in 1973 where a girl is attacked. The action then moves to 1993; The Wall has come down and Germany is reunited and the body of a recently murdered girl is found in the woods. She is found on a bed of rowan flowers and has runes cut into her skin. Local detective Ulkike Bandow is put in charge of the case. She is partnered with Koray Larssen who has just transferred to the area from the west. As the investigation proceeds dark secrets from the past are uncovered including some that are close to home for our leads.

I thought this was a really solid six part crime drama. It has a great atmosphere with a dark fairy tale feel... bad things happening near a cabin in the woods and even a 'big bad wolf'! There is a good sense of danger and the personal parts of the story give the characters depth rather than detracting from the investigation. The cast does a solid job, especially Henriette Confurious and Fahri Yardim as the two protagonists. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-crime looking for something a bit different.

These comments are based on watching the series in Dutch with English subtitles.