The Frozen Dead

The Frozen Dead is a gripping psychological thriller series presented by Netflix, released in 2016. Also known as "Glacé" in its original French language, the show initially aired in France before being acquired globally by Netflix. Set in the icy terrains of the French Pyrenees, The Frozen Dead beautifully juxtaposes natural serenity with human malevolence.

The series plunges the audience into a deeply unnerving world of crime and mystery right from the outset. A shocking discovery kick-starts the narrative when a gruesome find—a horse's head—alerts the authorities. The scene is haunting, the crime peculiar, and it sets the stage for the suspenseful journey that unfolds throughout the series.

At the forefront of this chilling investigation is Police Captain Martin Servaz, brilliantly portrayed by Charles Berling. Servaz is an uncompromising, relentless detective who is haunted by his past. He is soon drawn into a past case mirroring chilling similarities with this new mystery. The Frozen Dead intricately weaves Servaz’s personal struggles with his professional commitment, and viewers get to journey with the tormented detective as he delves deeper into this eerie mystery.

The enigmatic serial killer Julian Hirtmann, whose role is skillfully played by Pascal Greggory, adds another captivating layer to the storyline. Servaz's cat-and-mouse chase with Hirtmann is one of the main narrative threads running through the series. The wicked game between the two characters only intensifies as the bodies start piling up, and the horrifying secrets of the past begin to unravel with each passing episode.

The series also explores the eerie and mysterious Saint-Martin psychiatric institution, adding a layer of complexity that blurs the lines between sanity and madness, innocence, and culpability. All characters have their roles to play in the sinister unraveling of a dark conspiracy that reaches far into the community, yet their paths are tinged with intricate psychological elements that enhance the sense of underlying dread.

The Frozen Dead is not just another crime thriller but a masterful exploration of the darkest facets of the human psyche. It skilfully toys with the theme of immorality concealed behind the mask of normalcy. Its strength lies in its focus on atmosphere and character development, employing an enigmatic cast of characters, each harboring their secrets, ambitions, and fears, contributing to the overall structure of deceit and suspense.

One of the remarkable aspects of the show is the setting. The panoramic, frost-covered landscape provides a compelling backdrop that elevates the show's chilling suspense. The icy wilderness, the bleak winter setting combined with the atmospheric soundtrack, and beautifully shot sequences foster a sense of romantic gloom that complements the dark storyline perfectly.

Another selling point is its remarkable narrative style. The writing encapsulates real suspense, psychological depth, and complex characters, serving the traditional crime drama ingredients in an engaging manner. Its narrative transitions smoothly from the morbid reality of the crime scenes to the internal strife of the investigating officers, thus adding both depth and tension to the storyline.

The Frozen Dead toys with the unpredictability of human nature and the secrets that nestle in the heart of quaint, seemingly peaceful towns. It underscores the fact that monstrosities aren’t always loud and explicit. Sometimes, they are silent, hidden beneath layers of normalcy and everyday routine.

The series is built on a story engineered to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The storyline doesn’t shy away from showcasing the gut-wrenching implications and psychological ramifications of the crimes committed. However, the horror isn’t just for the sake of horror; it is interwoven into the narrative to set a dark, compelling psychological atmosphere that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

To conclude, if you're a fan of crime dramas with an inclination towards psychological thrillers, The Frozen Dead is a must-watch. It is a brilliantly acted and visually stunning series with a chilling narrative that will keep you gripped from start to finish. It takes you on a terrifying journey through the darkest corridors of the human mind, ensuring not a moment’s respite from the relentless suspense and intrigue of its world.