"A masterclass in psychological tension and the cold precision of Scandi-noir."
Those Who Kill (2019) successfully revitalized the Scandi-noir genre by shifting focus from the procedural hunt to the psychological anatomy of darkness. Following criminal profiler Louise Bergstein, the series abandoned the episodic structure of its predecessor in favor of long-form, season-length investigations. This shift allowed for a deeper exploration of trauma and the cyclical nature of violence. By prioritizing character depth over simple shock value, the production solidified its place as a cornerstone of modern Danish television. Its international distribution introduced a global audience to the cold, atmospheric tension that defines Northern European crime dramas. The series remains a significant entry in the 21st-century Nordic wave, proving that the genre still holds power when it dares to look directly into the shadows of the human mind.
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 1 | |
| E2 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 2 | |
| E3 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 3 | |
| E4 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 4 | |
| E5 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 5 | |
| E6 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 6 | |
| E7 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 7 | |
| E8 | Sep 26, 2024 | Episode 8 |
Franchise Status: Active / Ongoing
Those Who Kill (2019) remains a definitive pillar of Nordic Noir television, having concluded its influential run on Viaplay. The series revitalized the gritty psychological thriller genre by shifting the focus from procedural mechanics to the deep-seated trauma of both the hunter and the hunted. By grounding its narrative in the cold, atmospheric landscapes of Denmark, it established a visual and emotional template that many contemporary European dramas have since attempted to replicate. Its legacy is defined by a refusal to sanitize the darkness of its subject matter, offering a visceral exploration of the human psyche that continues to resonate with global audiences.
Fans return to the series for its meticulous pacing and the complex evolution of profiler Louise Bergstein, whose professional detachment often clashes with her personal empathy. The show’s rewatch value lies in its layered storytelling, where subtle clues regarding the killers' motivations are woven into the background of seemingly mundane scenes. As a cornerstone of modern crime fiction, it serves as a masterclass in tension, proving that the most terrifying monsters are often those hidden in plain sight within society.
You will love its atmospheric Nordic Noir tension and complex, character-driven investigative storytelling.
You will love Wisting’s grounded, psychological approach to Nordic Noir and its compelling detective work.
You will love *Marcella* for its similarly gritty atmosphere and deeply fractured, complex protagonist.