Signs

Signs, originally titled Znaki, is a gripping and layered crime drama from AXN Polska that first aired in 2018. Set against the unique and rustic backdrop of Lower Silesia in southwestern Poland, Signs effectively crafts an atmosphere of pervasive unease, using the eeriness and remote beauty of its mountain landscapes to further intensify the dark secrets that lay at its heart. It's a landscape dotted with picturesque tree-lined roads, ages-old dilapidated structures and breathtaking sceneries, creating the perfect atmospheric setting that encapsulates the show's brooding tonality.

The narrative of Signs unfolds in the small town of Sowie Doly, where the newly-appointed police commander, Michal Trela (Played by Andrzej Konopka), faces the challenging task of solving a murder mystery that eerily echoes an unresolved killing from years past. The intricate storyline takes viewers on a winding journey through the labyrinth of clues, false leads, and unseen connections. It's a compelling slow-burn procedural, where crimes are not just secrets to be uncovered, but also are the grim reflections of a town's simmering tensions and concealed history.

Beside the murder storyline, Signs dives deep into the human condition, exploring notions of guilt, redemption, and the thin line between good and evil. It boasts of a well-etched cast of characters, each carrying their own weight of fears, ambitions, and secrets. Watching them enmeshed in the web of the town's untold mysteries is as intriguing and heart-wrenching as it is thought-provoking.

The protagonist, Michal Trela, is a complex and brooding character, whose pursuit of justice for the murdered young girl gets amalgamated with his own past torments. His struggles, both personal and professional, add another layer to the show, making it a poignant study of human resilience and calamity. His professional approach to the case clashes with the small town's status quo, unveiling a myriad of simmering conflicts, shady alliances, and disturbing secrets.

Trela is not alone in this battle against the shadows of the past and the secrets of the present. Deputy Ada Sobieska (Played by Helena Sujecka), a young and enthusiastic officer, becomes an essential aid to Trela. Her character provides a refreshing break from the town's sullen mood, while also bringing to the picture her distinct perspective and the spirit of a new generation challenging old norms.

Further enhancing its creepy ambiance, Signs also ventures into supernatural territories. Pagan beliefs, symbolisms, and traces of ancient rituals subtly underline the narrative, contributing just enough to keep the viewers unsettled and hooked, without undermining its realistic take on crime investigation.

Every layer of this intricate show is underpinned by stunning visuals and a gripping score. The gloomy weather, the desolate landscapes, the darkly lit sets – all beautifully captured to heighten the intensity of unfolding drama. Similarly, the background score, comprising somber tunes and haunting melodies, seamlessly conveys the show’s acute sense of doom and looming mystery.

In a panorama crowded with crime dramas, Signs manages to set itself apart with its atmospheric storytelling, complex characters, and exceptional performances. It’s not just a whodunit drama. Wrapped in a heavy coat of despair and suspense, Signs unfurls as an engrossing tale that contemplates the multi-faceted aspects of human nature and the acrimonious reality of a small town, while solving a murder mystery. As viewers traverse through the show’s haunting sceneries and twisted paths, they are left contemplating the inherent contradicting signs of human character – the good and evil, the seen and unseen, the spoken and concealed. It's a mysterious journey that leaves lasting imprints, much like the enigmatic symbols that give the show its evocative name.