The Bridge (Sweden/Denmark: Bron/Broen).
Starring Sofia Helin, Kim Bodnia, Dag Malmberg, Rafael Pettersson, Puk Scharbau, Sarah Boberg, Lars Simonsen, Emil Birk Hartmann and Vickie Bak Laursen.
SYNOPSIS:
TV series following an oddly paired duo of Swedish and Danish police inspectors who must work together to solve the most gruesome and potentially world changing of mysteries…
Offering up countless whodunits and whydunits straight to the audience, The Bridge is amongst the best of the recent influx of Nordic (or any kind) crime dramas. Simply put, the writing is superlative, gradually edging its way into our thoughts and ideas. Starting each episode with the view of the Øresund Bridge connecting Copenhagen and Malmo, the intricately constructed show brings the perfect combination of high powered ideas and shock tactics to keep everyone guessing.
All of the cast are terrific, although the two leads are undoubtedly the main focus. The alternately hard working and gradually angst ridden Danish cop Martin and the emotionally detached Saga are brilliantly portrayed. Even in the most extreme of circumstances – of which there are many – they are both sympathetic characters who the audience continues to invest time and emotion in.
Without giving away any spoilers (of which, again, there are many) it is safe to say that the two main characters undergo a fantastic degree of transformation during the show. The borderline Asperger’s syndrome Saga even manages to start decorating her flat a little differently towards the end of the second series! Far from being a moot point, it is evidence that this show is all about the details.
Adding to the list of great Scandinavian TV to go along with The Killing, Wallander and Borgen, The Bridge is yet another example of the superb creativity going on in the Nordic countries in drama, TV and film. Strongly recommended to all fans of mystery suspense and carefully put together plotlines, The Bridge is a must see.
Robert W Monk is a freelance journalist and film writer.
Originally published February 4, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
