Before We Die

Before We Die is an exciting, riveting Swedish crime drama that originated on the Swedish channel SVT before finding its way to PBS Masterpiece, an American digital subscription service that delivers a high-end British and international content. The show, which aired from 2017 to 2019, is a perfect definition of suspense, tension, and emotionally charged interaction combined with a mind-bending plot of crime investigation. The show’s storyline revolves around the life of a determined and somewhat flawed detective, Hanna Svensson, who works for the Stockholm Police Department. Hanna, played expertly by Marie Richardson, is not some ordinary police officer; she's a no-nonsense, skilled and tenacious detective, willing to bend the rules to see justice served. Hanna is also a mother, and her relationship with her adult son Christian forms a significant subplot that adds emotional depth and personal stakes to the show's crime-fighting narrative. Before We Die delves into the dark world of crime, corruption, and moral quandaries, showcasing a good portion of what Swedish noir has to offer. Hanna's dedication to her profession often clashes with her personal life, as she struggles with guilt over arresting her own son for dealing drugs. Just as she starts to reconcile with him after his release, her lover and fellow officer Sven, mysteriously disappears. Prior to his disappearance, Sven was deeply involved in an undercover investigation into a notoriously violent crime family known as the Mimica family. Left with no choice, Hanna takes over the investigation, leading to entanglements and life-altering dynamics that she never anticipated. Events take an intriguing turn when Hanna discovers that there could be a mole within their police team feeding crucial information to the crime families they're investigating. The unique twist to this discovery is that the mole is actually an undercover agent appointed to infiltrate these crime families- a deeply ensnared mole who's identity is revealed to be shockingly close to her. Before We Die explores the gritty realities of crime and its consequences, the thin line between right and wrong, and the sacrifices made in the name of justice. The show is replete with suspense and profound emotion, gripping viewers as they are drawn into the lives and dilemmas of the characters. As Hanna delves deeper into the case, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride into a secretive world that challenges the notions of loyalty, love and lies. The show excels not just in its plot, but in its character development as well. Marie Richardson delivers a powerful performance as Hanna, with every nuanced emotion palpable and relatable. As pressure mounts and the stakes increase, the tense relationships and entangled loyalties of Hanna's world only grow more complex, drawing audiences deeper into the narrative. Christian, Hanna's son, is another important character bringing an additional layer of complexity to the storyline. He's returning to normal life after a stint in prison, reeling from the shock of his mother's actions that resulted in his arrest, and grappling with a sense of betrayal and resentment that starts affecting his choices. Every episode of Before We Die is a rollercoaster ride, and it's this unpredictability and tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The scenic portrayal of Stockholm's gritty underbelly adds to the show’s aesthetic and keeps viewers visually engaged. It’s a plot-heavy show, layered with expert storytelling, intriguing characters, and an intense atmosphere that make it a compelling watch. Before We Die is a prime example of the edgy, thought-provoking crime dramas that Scandinavian television is celebrated for. With its unique blend of robust storytelling, deep character exploration, and suspenseful narrative combined with the moral complexities, the show is a tour de force of crime drama. It is sharp, enthralling, and offers a starkly honest portrayal of crime and its inherent human drama, making it a must-watch.

Before We Die is a series categorized as a . Spanning 2 seasons with a total of 18 episodes, the show debuted on 2017. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 7.7.