Modus - Season 1

Modus - Season 1 from WALTER PRESENTS, released between 2015 and 2017, is an intense and gripping crime thriller series that originated from Sweden. Modus puts you in the heart of Scandinavia, immersing you in a world full of dramatic locations, carefully woven narratives, and complex characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of Scandinavian crime dramas like 'The Killing' or 'The Bridge', you will feel right at home with Modus.

The show's title, Modus, itself means method or way, symbolizing the protagonist's below-the-surface search for truths and answers in the vanguard of crime. The first season revolves around Inger Johanne Vik, a stellar criminal profiler who traded her high-profile career in the FBI to spend more time with her family, including her autistic daughter, Stina. Inger's past experience and expertise come in handy when Sweden is shaken by a series of disturbing and mysterious murders.

Inger Johanne, played by Melinda Kinnaman, is intelligent, resilient, and deeply empathetic. Alongside her professional journey, we get to explore her personal life, raising two daughters, including one with autism, and navigating a romantic relationship, thereby making the character both strong and relatable. Along with a strong female lead, we also meet Inspector Ingvar Nyman from the Swedish National Bureau of Investigation, portrayed by Henrik Norlén.

The complex yet intriguing plot of Modus fuses crime investigation, psychological insights, and chilling suspense, with a touch of personal drama, bringing a fresh angle to the crime genre. The portrayal of an array of characters and their interwoven lives enhances the storyline and adds layers to the series, increasing its depth and intensity. With its strong plotline, Modus makes sure there's never a dull moment for its audience.

Modus keeps its viewers riveted with a meticulously unraveled plot, cinematographically beautiful shots of rural and urban Sweden, and excellent acting performances. The series provides a jouissance experience of watching a crime thriller meet a family drama, in a truly Scandi-Noir style! The way it seamlessly tackles emotional issues, such as raising a child with autism, setting healthy boundaries, exuding quiet strength in adversity, and showcasing feminist power, is highly commendable.

Visual aesthetics play a vital role in creating an atmosphere of suspense and mystery. The cinematography never ceases to impress with the brilliance of capturing the Scandinavian winter, building up a frigid environment that's almost reflective of the chilling crimes committed. The chilly, minimalistic, and admirable landscapes, combined with a meticulously detailed interiors, manage to perfectly capture and amplify the desired mood and tension.

The series is directed by Lisa Siwe and Mani Maserrat, who both do an impressive job of bringing the script to life. The direction, cinematography, and production values of the series are top-notch, keeping the audience captivated in each frame. You will find yourself drawn deeper into the story with each progressive episode, making for a must-binge watch experience.

The comprehensible and subtitled dialogues ensure an engaging experience for viewers across different countries, adding to the global appeal of Modus. If you have an appetite for smart and challenging narratives that combine crime, mystery, and personal drama, punctuated by the daunting Scandinavian wintry ambiance, then this show is for you.

Modus - Season 1, is thus an edge-of-your-seat thriller that ticks all the boxes of a classic Nordic Noir backdrop with a well-woven narrative that is both intriguing and engaging at the same time. Whether it is the astute insight into character development, striking visual aesthetics, or compelling storyline, Modus offers a package of entertainment that leaves viewers asking for more.