The Darkness

Caught this while I was in Australia - it aired there (no US release yet?) - and I genuinely wasn't prepared for how good it is. Thought it'd be your standard moody crime drama with pretty backdrops. Instead, it's quietly gripping, sharp, and way more emotionally layered than it lets on at first.

It takes its time. It doesn't spoon-feed. The tone is icy but grounded, and the tension builds in this really restrained, almost hypnotic way. The lead performance is excellent - minimal, but you feel everything. Visually it's beautiful too. Cold, clean, controlled.

If I had one gripe, maybe a few of the supporting characters could've been fleshed out a little more - but the central story is strong enough to carry the whole thing.

Out of curiosity, I went and read the book afterward. Huge mistake. It's all internal monologue and emotional exposition - just endless moping. Hulda in the book is... not great. Kind of aimless. On-screen, though, she's magnetic. Everything the book tries to say, the show shows instead. The adaptation is tighter, smarter, way more alive.

Don't let it slip past you.

Also, all the trolls hating on it for not being whatever they think it should be (more Nordic?) should probably go back to Iceland.

...which appeared out of the blue here in Denmark on SkyShowtime.

I was pleasently surprised by the plot and twists, episode after episode. I won't spoil anything, but I bet ya that you can't figure out whodunnit. Love the cold setting that Island is too. Very vibey, moody and beautiful.

I've always liked Lena Olin, who I really "discovered" when watching "Romeo is Bleeding", also starring Gary Oldman. She gives a heartfelt, stellar performance in this series, as a mom and tough detective. It's really top notch.

Also very good performance from Jack Bannon, which I haven't seen before in a major role. Note to self: Check out his other work.

And as the cherry on the topping is that the series is directed by Lasse Hallström, which also directed the excellent "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" from 1993 starring Johnny Depp and other great movies. And it shows. The directing is tight, beautiful and to the point.

Definitely recommend this series.

Here's hoping for season 2.

This show just isn't worth your time. I tried to give it a chance, but after watching two episodes, I couldn't bring myself to continue. The pacing feels sluggish, and the story lacks any real hook to keep you invested. The characters are uninspired, and the dialogue often falls flat, making it hard to connect with anyone on screen. Additionally, the predictable political correctness woven into the narrative feels forced and unnecessary, detracting from any potential intrigue. Overall, the series feels unoriginal, lacking excitement or depth. It blends into the sea of standard content without leaving any lasting impression. Save yourself the time and skip this one.

Was expecting a cheesy theatrical Icelandic cop drama but was pleasantly suprised to find a beautiful, suspensful and unpredictable series. The Icelandic actors really stood out as proper good even though they were not acting in their mother tongue. Björn Hlynur and Thorvaldur were great!

Lena Olin was a bit stiff at first but as the series plays out her character deepens and her acting starts fitting the character better. Bannon was great!

Cinematography and lighting was top notch and the aerials were superb in the low light conditions. Street lights, snow and tire tracks are a suprisingly pretty combo, who knew?

Definitely recommend.

Some absolutely great parts here - the photography, the field locations, Reykjavik looks beautiful. There are also some weak red-herrings in the plot. Also, some real acting talent is available but Doug Henshall from "Shetland" is completely wasted in a nothing and pointless role. But it's all squandered on a poor and poorly stitched-together narrative that felt rushed to a conclusion. Too many plot lines went nowhere, too many ideas thrown in (misogyny, indigenous and migrant bigotry), character motivations were poorly articulated and the lead actress had a cryptically explained personality and background too say the least.

Really disappointing.