Der Schatten

While I liked the novel this series is based on I can't say the same about it's adaption. Almost all of the changes where the story derives from its original make me wonder if the writers even read the source material.

The whole time the series fails to build a believable protagonist and none of the surrounding characters behave like actual human beings.

I could not invest myself at all and wanted to just skip to the last episode as there was no real suspense at all and plotholes became difficult to ignore.

Most side storylines were very unnecessary, didn't really move the plot forward or were frankly just annoying (coworker).

The only positives are the camera work and the lead actress performance.

The whole thing focuses way too much on trying to be artsy and hip instead of (re)telling a meaningful story.

At the end I was left very disappointed by this and do not recommend it.

This six part drama is centred on Norah Richter, a journalist who has just got a new job at a new publication in Vienna. One day she approaches an elderly beggar who prophecies that Norah will kill a man named Arthur Grimm on a specific day in a specific park. Norah doesn't believe this, she doesn't even know the man but soon strange things start to happen and she starts looking into who Arthur Grimm is. At work she is given the task of writing an article about a controversial artist, an assignment a colleague really wanted. She is also haunted by the death of her friend Valerie fourteen years previously.

I thought this was an enjoyably series. It managed to be nicely creepy without overdoing it. It starts well, quickly gripping the viewer and doesn't really let up on the tension as the story progresses and Norah appears to becoming increasingly paranoid. The characters are interesting with the cast doing a fine job bringing them to life. The various plot threads develop nicely as the series progresses with some inevitably combining as the viewer, and Norah, learn more. I've not read the book, to be honest I wasn't aware that it was based on a book when I started watching. This might be a good thing as that way I didn't find myself comparing the two. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Euro-drama looking for something a bit different.

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

Der Schatten unfolds as a meticulously crafted psychological thriller, distinguished by its atmospheric storytelling and compelling performances. Deleila Piasko embodies Norah Richter with nuanced restraint, capturing the character's internal turmoil as she navigates a series of unsettling events. The series delves into themes of guilt, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, set against the backdrop of Vienna's summer heat. Director Nina Vukovic's deliberate pacing and Pascal Schmit's cinematography enhance the narrative's tension, creating a sense of unease that permeates each episode. While based on Melanie Raabe's novel, the series stands as a distinct work, embracing the strengths of visual storytelling to explore its complex themes. The finale delivers a powerful conclusion that resonates without relying on conventional twists. Der Schatten is a testament to the potential of television as a medium for nuanced, character-driven narratives.

No pun intended - in case of ... losing your mind and all that. I have to admit, that I was surprised how real it felt at the beginning ... there is some heightened reality towards the end and there is stuff that ... well I'll let the show explain what certain things are about. But this is really well done (and acted).

Tight script, that really has you rooting for the main character and the issues that come up for her. Can this all be true? And how can it be? Well you'll find out the same way she does - well probably earlier! Depending on your observation skills and what you have read before watching - but that does not take anything away from the show.

Especially the ending - kudos as they say. When all is being revealed and untangled, you'll understand a few things - and may not be totally annoyed by our main character anymore (if you were at all of course) ... suspense is high with this one ... same with mystery! And overall (re)actions make sense - well you know what I mean.

To be honest, i thought that the novel this series is based on was compelling. However, all the intriguing and provoking material in the novel is not reflected in the series. Setting in Vienna is good, actors are plausible, but somehow it does not work. It does not flow to hook the audience to binge all the episodes.

From the beginning there is this urge to open the 6th episode, watch the ending and get over with it. In the book there was this bomb in the middle of the pages that was ticking. Will she commit what she is set to commit or not? What is happening?? It was a good thriller.

I am afraid to say the series is fairly boring. The suspense is not there. You just want to turn your eyes and move onto something else. Too flat. I am a fan of Keshet and I am proud they are producing material for the European audience but both. Rough Diamonds and his ne dont fly like the Homeland did. Sorry.