A fantastic and gripping Norwegian series based on the crime novel *THE DEVIL’S SIGN* (published in German in 2006 and in Norwegian in 2003 under the title *MAREKORS*) by Jo Nesbø!
Tobias Santelmann, born in Freiburg im Breisgau, plays Harry Hole (pronounced: Harry Hoole), a man battling his own demons in Oslo. Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman portrays Hole’s sophisticated colleague, Tom Waaler—a man who shares a disturbingly high number of similarities with Hole, yet remains his complete opposite.
Creator: Jo Nesbø
Stars: Tobias Santelmann, Joel Kinnaman, Ellen Helinder
Shocking acts of violence erupt in a sun-drenched Oslo, where police officers—who are unarmed—are forced to pursue the most brutal criminal gangs. No kidding! In Norway, the law stipulates that police officers must keep their weapons under lock and key and may only use them under strict conditions. It is no wonder that the officers are driven to desperation as gangsters roam the streets with no one to stand in their way. In fact, Oslo has undoubtedly never been portrayed quite like this before! Bathed in sunlight during a heatwave in the luminous Scandinavian summer, the wealth of this beautiful city is palpable—though its neglect and decay come as no surprise.
In the Harry Hole literary saga, *THE DEVIL’S MARK* marks the fifth installment; consequently, the series must rewind to the beginning to explain why Harry Hole is the way he is: a washed-up alcoholic staying afloat solely thanks to his frenetic work as a police officer. However, the lean detective has recently met the capable Rakel (Pia Tjelta) and her son, Oleg (Maxime Baune Bochud). A happy personal life seems finally within his reach. The way Harry and young Oleg gradually forge a bond is one of the most beautiful storylines this exceptional series has to offer. Otherwise, things take a very dark turn! Alongside his colleague Tom—who, in addition to being his superior, flaunts his sports car—Harry must track down a suspected serial killer who has all of Oslo on edge. Furthermore, there is a suspicion that Tom Waaler couldn't possibly afford the sports car or the luxurious apartment on his police salary alone.
This Netflix series proves to be satisfyingly gritty and quite explicit. It is not for the faint of heart, but for precisely that reason, this new Harry Hole series need not take a backseat to *Nordic Noir* classics like *Bron* (2011–2018) and *Forbrydelsen* (2007–2012).
One hopes that Tobias Santelmann will continue in this role should there be a sequel (after all, there are several more crime novels featuring this character!). Without a doubt, Joel Kinnaman has never been seen in a better role. Moreover, the series features standout guest appearances from exceptional actors such as Anders Danielsen Lie, Peter Stormare, and Florence Kasumba—whom you might recognize from *Black Panther* and the Göttingen-set edition of *Tatort*.
A new *Nordic Noir* gem! Five devilish, blood-red stars!
Comments
Post a Comment