Darkness: Those Who Kill

Darkness: Those Who Kill is an enthralling Danish crime thriller TV series that debuted on Viaplay in 2019. As a gripping Nordic Noir, it's a ride into the chilling depths of human nature, casting a bleak yet profound light on the darkest facets of human psychology intertwined with crime.

The series, fraught with intense drama and suspense, lifts the veil off the investigation into a series of gruesome murders and disappearances. Its premise is highly engaging where viewers are not only treated to the vice and virtue of its protagonists but also an in-depth exploration of its antagonist's psyche.

"Darkness: Those Who Kill" stars several skilled Danish actors, none more so than its two leading characters, Kenneth M. Christensen and Natalie Madueño, who add the much-needed gravitas and emotional depth to the storyline. Christensen takes on the role of undercover detective, Jan Michelsen, while Madueño steps into the shoes of criminal profiler, Louise Bergstein.

The plot-setting of the series is grounded in reality, which results in a painful resonance that serves to heighten the intrigue and thrill. Detective Jan Michelsen, known for his perseverance and tenacity, is fully immersed in a disturbing case of missing teenage girls. The case takes a turn when Michelsen connects it to a decade-old murder incident. Realizing the vast complexities and the dire necessity to solve the case promptly, he teams up with the exceptionally astute Louise Bergstein.

Their working partnership forms the heart of the series, a blend of innovative police work and deep psychological insights. Bergstein is a brilliant and empathetic character, a mastermind who uses her knowledge of human psychology to profile potential suspects and dabble into the minds of murderers. The way she discerns the patterns and leads Michelsen into the mind of the killer provides viewers with a generous dose of intense, intellectual drama.

The cinematography and direction of "Darkness: Those Who Kill" are worth commendation. The show is steeped in atmospheric tension, reflected in its dark, brooding visuals that are in perfect sync with the overall ominous feel. The locations chosen, mostly around the city of Odense, provide a stark and hauntingly beautiful contrast to the chilling narrative. The attention to detail, both in terms of visuals and the well-researched crime details, commendably adds to the authenticity and realism of the series.

Furthermore, the narrative’s path is made all the more captivating by unexpected turns, keeping viewers engaged throughout. The plot lines are complex, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, smoothly blending heart-stopping suspense with intricate characters’ arcs that compel one to feel their fear, their pain, and their struggles.

In addition to the thrilling main narrative, "Darkness: Those Who Kill" presents viewers with several subplots. These narratives include personal backgrounds of characters, their intricacies, and relations, all of which further fuel the interest and enrich the overall storyline. Each of these elements put together evolve the characters beyond being merely good or bad, resulting in nuanced personalities that are both multi-dimensional and relatable.

What sets this series apart is its risk-taking in the portrayal of violence and the psychological trajectory of its characters. It offers a detailed analysis of both the victims and the perpetrators, an unbiased depiction that is rare in most crime shows. This open approach leads to a dramatically powerful and emotionally engaging storyline that subtly forces the viewer to introspect on the human psyche's disturbing depths.

All in all, "Darkness: Those Who Kill" is a show that authentically portrays the darker realities of society, making it an exciting, suspenseful, and thought-provoking watch. Its storytelling is raw, its characters are multi-layered, and its intensity is relentless. Fans of murder mysteries, crime thrillers, and psychologically-driven dramas are likely to find this series a thoroughly engaging addition to their watchlist.