Seizure

Seizure is an intense and compelling Norwegian crime thriller series that premiered on Viaplay in 2019. As a Scandinavian noir, the show exhibits the signature grim, atmospheric, and gripping storytelling that this genre is praised for, merged with a profound character study, cultural insights, and subtly nuanced performances.

The plot of Seizure opens up in Oslo, the heart of Norway, where the police force is jolted by the simultaneous disappearance of four immigrant teenage girls on a wintry day. Behind the scenes, two detectives, Siv Bakke and Ibrahim Renjo, whose characters we'll soon grow to understand and appreciate, are thrust onto the case. Their normal lives are effaced as they immerse themselves into the twisting and turning labyrinth of this crime.

Siv Bakke, portrayed by actress Gitte Witt, is an experienced investigator who is known for her meticulousness and objectiveness. Bakke is intelligent, empathetic, and stubborn, all qualities she cleverly plays up to draw the truth out from any individual - relatives, friends, and neighbours of the missing girls, who seem to have vanished without a trace. Her partner, Renjo, played by Synnove Macody Lund, on the other hand, is an introvert, reserved, and methodical detective. His backstory rooted in a different cultural heritage supplements their partnership and adds valuable insights during their investigation.

Drop by drop, the duo unravels unsettling leads and secrets that were supposed to stay buried, all while being under immense pressure to find the girls before it’s too late. The narrative of Seizure is meticulously layered, oscillating back and forth between the police investigation and the personal lives of our lead characters. It explores the cold, challenging, yet exciting world of the crime-solving process while also digging deep into the character’s lives, their past, their demons, their emotional depth, and their resilience.

Moreover, Seizure doesn't shy away from sociopolitical undertones. Interwoven into the main narrative are bold commentaries on the struggles of immigrant integration, the pitfalls of the welfare system, and the latent xenophobia lurking beneath the surface of disclosed modern society. As the narrative continues to evolve, viewers are drawn into a profound debate about ethics, morality, and the societal dynamics in a country that considers itself one of the world's happiest places to live.

Directors Geir Henning Hopland and Lars Andreas Hellebust do a remarkable job of creating an immersive visual world that is both stark and atmospheric, complimenting the drama's brooding intensity every step of the way. Coupled with an eerie soundtrack that encapsulates the viewers in its suspenseful grasp, the production makes for an incredibly enticing viewing experience.

As for the performances, the cast delivers a masterclass. Gitte Witt and Synnove Macody Lund brilliantly portray their characters' contrasting personalities, blending composure, vulnerability, and determination into formidable, relatable heroines; while supporting characters, played by an equally competent ensemble, help broaden Seizure's narrative scope.

Seizure has the fundamental elements that define Scandinavian noir - the chilling atmosphere, the dark landscapes, the complex characters shrouded in mystery, the uncompromising societal lens, and the gritty, nail-biting narrative. But what truly sets this Viaplay production apart is its willingness to dive deeper, to challenge preconceptions, to expose societal deficiencies, and to humanize its characters beyond the usual crime-genre tropes. As such, it beautifully marries the intense world of crime-solving with the real, raw examination of personal and societal issues, offering viewers a thought-provoking, thrilling, and visceral journey.

In short, Seizure is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and noir dramas. Its intricate and suspenseful narrative, the charismatic lead duo, and the insightful exploration of social issues make the series a captivating watch that deftly combines entertainment with introspection. Despite the nature of its grim narrative, it's a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting anxiously to see what each new episode will uncover.