The Legacy (English Subtitled)

The Legacy is an intriguing Danish drama series that aired from 2014 to 2017 and was produced by the acclaimed DR broadcasting network. In Danish, the series is known as "Arvingerne," with MHz Networks providing English subtitles so that audiences worldwide can appreciate this compelling storyline. The series was conceptualized by Maya Ilsøe and directed by acclaimed Danish directors including Pernilla August and Heidi Maria Faisst, among others.

The Legacy is a complex exploration of family ties and the resulting turmoil arising out of the sudden demise of a matriarch. At its heart, it is a family drama, but it provides a nuanced look into the layers of human emotion, the conception of art and legacy, and the underlying theme of what constitutes a family. Ilseø’s keen eye for relatable characters and intricate, reflective plotlines, added to the intense and often breathtaking visuals, makes the show a standout in its genre.

The show revolves around the life of renowned artist Veronika Grønnegaard, her heirs, and the legacy she leaves behind after her unexpected death. The story is predominantly set in a beautiful yet imposing manor, imbued with its own personality and bearing silent testimony to the events and revelations that unfold within its walls. This mansion, full of Veronika's life's work, leads to competitiveness among her descendants as they try to reconcile their mother's memory with their entitlement.

Veronika is portrayed as an unconventional mother, whose Bohemian lifestyle and artistic disposition have deeply influenced her offspring who, in turn, have grown to become considerably individualistic and complex characters. This gives rise to a spectrum of personalities, ranging from Emil, the easy-going son with entrepreneurial tendencies and wishful thinking, to Signe, the peace-loving, organic farmer who tries to balance her new-found family connections with her already established personal life.

What The Legacy convincingly portrays is the profound effect Veronika has wielded on her children, even after her passing. The narrative successfully highlights the siblings’ personal and professional lives in conjunction with their shared past and the task of dealing with their mother’s strong artistic legacy. Their inherited wealth and assets, although materialistically beneficial, bring with it an avalanche of unresolved issues, past resentments, personal insecurities, and fractious family relations.

Besides the Grønnegaard family, key characters in the series involve their immediate friends and associates who add different dimensions to the storyline - from long-standing family lawyer to Emil's opportunistic girlfriend. Each character is masterfully fleshed out, adding intrigue and depth to the storyline.

Another compelling feature of The Legacy is its reflection on art and legacy. Veronika, who was a prominent figure in the Danish art world, leaves behind a body of work that is characterized by her own experiences and ideals. It resonates with her children, but also raises questions about what her true legacy is. Is it her idiosyncratic paintings or the family she has left behind, each wrestling with their own demons and ambitions?

The Legacy is renowned for its deeply poignant narration and commendable performances, particularly by actors Trine Dyrholm, Jesper Christensen, Carsten Bjørnlund, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, and Marie Bach Hansen. Its beautiful setting, absorbing storyline, and portrayal of human relationships make it a must-watch.

In essence, The Legacy establishes itself as an insightful drama, effortlessly delving into the heart of a torn family trying to make sense of their collective past while figuring out how to shape their future. It artfully tests the boundaries of the conventional family drama, challenging its viewers to rethink the notions of family, legacy, and personal identity.