The Fall (2013-2016)

Great series (S1, S2 and the last few episodes of S3). It strikes me that all the male characters in the series are wrong, or do wrong things (whether it's cheating or a crime). Only Detective Anderson is an exception, I think the only one. The female characters are almost all flawless. It seems to be a symbol of what it's all about: the masculine Spector and his female, defenseless victims.

The plot, the build-up of tension and the acting are fine, but what I like the most is the modesty. The soundtrack is minimalistic with calm but tension-increasing music at the right moments. And a painful silence when the images and drama speak for themselves.

The camera work is also calm. Lots of great camera angles and long takes. For example, the camera that slowly drives through an apartment or walks along with the main characters. Occasionally some tricks like the mirror scene at the beginning of the first season. The killer continuously emanates a threat, partly because of his charisma and how he is lit.

The cold effect is very similar to the approach in Spanish thrillers such as El Habitante Incierto, Los Ojos de Julia, Caníbal, Musarañas, Mientras Duermes, etc. The series also reminds me a bit of Maniac with Elijah Wood.

All that deceptively rustic contrasts sharply with the harshness of the deeds and with the grim setting of Northern Ireland and its 'tough' inhabitants. I do have reservations about the script here and there, but that's mainly in the second season.

Translated from Dutch · View original

I expected a kind of 13 in a dozen detective series with this series. In any case, it isn't. What is quite original is the fact that you immediately know who the perpetrator is and that you see the story from both his perspective and that of the police corps. What really disappointed me is the fact that the characters of Dornan and Anderson are both quite annoying. The episodes are also a bit too long, but that's a matter of taste. However, the series offers enough tension and a very 'nice' atmosphere. These kinds of stories always appeal to me.

Translated from Dutch · View original