Criminal

Criminal is an intriguing anthology series released by Netflix in 2019-2020 that delves into the engrossing world of interrogations. A noteworthy aspect of this show is its unique premise, which is set primarily within the restricted environment of a police interrogation room. This peculiar perspective throws viewers into the emotional intensity and psychological tension as law enforcement officers face off with the suspects.

Conceptualised and directed by an excellent team, including Jim Field Smith and George Kay, the show offers a refreshing take on the crime-drama genre. The series is divided into four parts, each named after the country where the episodes were produced: Criminal: UK, Criminal: Spain, Criminal: France, and Criminal: Germany. Each segment encompasses three episodes that unravel distinct stories. This approach incorporates a sense of universality to the plotlines, depicting the universally prevalent human tendencies of crime, deceit, and manipulation across different cultures.

The narrative focuses on the intense battle of wits between law enforcement and the suspects, not hesitating to traverse some dark paths. It meticulously explores the dynamics of police interrogation techniques and the psychological combat between the people on either side of the law, shunning the regular car chases, murder scenes, detective work, and foot pursuits that typically garnish crime-drama plots. The crux of the narrative unfolds within the confines of four walls, where the psychological games, emotional manipulation, and strategic questioning sessions unmask the truth. Each episode unfolds a separate crime story, honing in on a different suspect. Although there is an episodical construction, the narrative deftly maintains a continuity by integrating subplots related to personal lives of the officers.

Despite its geographical division, the central theme of Criminal remains constant: the investigation room. Each section comprises a chic, dim-lit room fitted with a two-way mirror, a serene waiting area housing an elegant drink dispenser, and an avant-garde observation area swarming with monitors and armed with an intercom system. This restricted arena enhances the intensity of the narrative, pulling the audience into the heart of the climactic interrogation scenarios.

The ensemble cast varies with each country's segment and includes several accomplished actors like David Tennant, Hayley Atwell, and Nicholas Pinnock in Criminal: UK; Inma Cuesta, Eduard Fernández, and Carmen Machi in Criminal: Spain; Nathalie Baye, Jérémie Renier, and Sara Giraudeau in Criminal: France; and Eva Meckbach , Sylvester Groth , and Florence Kasumba in Criminal: Germany. These actors offer compelling performances that bring depth to each character, reflecting the emotional turmoil, cunningness, guilt, fear, and determination needed to justify their characters' spectra of morality.

Although primarily a drama, the narrative successfully blends in elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological play. The precise and controlled screenplay compels viewers to devour the dialogues, plot twists, and hidden clues. Moreover, the storytelling technique propels the suspense, often leading to surprising reveals that retain the audience's attention throughout. Furthermore, the writing team has skillfully seeped in human emotions and dilemmas, making it more than just a crime thriller.

In terms of technical aspects, the cinematography offers a distinctive atmospheric mood that complements the brooding, suspenseful narrative. The camera angles not only establish a sense of space but also contribute to the building anxiety, portraying the characters’ expressions from various viewpoints. Besides, the subdued colour palette, minimalistic set design, and moody lighting emphasize the overall grimness, anchoring the intense psychological drama.

Criminal is a triumph in terms of innovative storytelling, combined with a gripping narrative and exemplifying performances. The series grips viewers with a unique format that offers an astute dissection of the complexities of the human psyche under stressful conditions. A perfect pick for crime drama aficionados, Criminal adds an unconventional twist by viewing the story from within the confines of an interrogation room and delving deep into the minds of suspects and detectives alike. It reinvents the classic charm of crime stories, delivering a cinematic experience that profoundly explores the scales of justice, truth, and deceit while questioning the lengths to which an individual can go to protect their secrets.