Ride Upon The Storm

Ride Upon The Storm is a compelling Danish drama series that aired from 2017 to 2018. Developed by Adam Price and produced by DR (Danmarks Radio), the national broadcaster in Denmark, the show presents a beautifully woven narrative that explores faith, family, and a resolute pursuit of purpose.

The audience is introduced to the captivating world of the Krogh family, a lineage whose history in pastoral services spans 250 years. Revered Church of Denmark priest Johannes Krogh, flawlessly portrayed by internationally acclaimed actor Lars Mikkelsen, headlines the ensemble of richly drawn characters. Fiercely passionate about his vocation, Johannes is torn between his intense devotion to God and the adverse effects his religious dedication has on his family, particularly his sons, August and Christian.

The show provides insightful character studies, delving deep into the motivations, conflicts, trials and tribulations of the Krogh family members. August, expertly played by Morten Hee Andersen, becomes a chaplain in the Danish army following in his father’s clerical footsteps, while the rebellious Christian, essayed by Simon Sears, brings to life a young man caught in a trajectory of self-exploration, making choices that frequently go against the grain of his family’s expectations.

Ride Upon The Storm is as much a story of complex relationships, nursing ambitions, and navigating choices, as it is a sensitive and thoughtful examination of spirituality. It dives fearlessly into the raw pulse of existential queries and the relentless search for identity and purpose. The series creatively exploits the dichotomous themes of faith vs. atheism, passion vs. obligation, tradition vs. modernity, and family vs. individualism.

Each episode resonates with hearty human drama and sharp existential contemplation, wrapped in compelling storytelling. It intertwines multiple narrative strands and strikes an extraordinary balance between the spiritual and the mundane, the sacred, and the profane. The consistently high-quality writing by Price and his team unmasks the realities and diversities of religious experience with equal doses of sensitivity, honesty, and insight. This unsparing exploration of religion and clergy through the intricate lenses of human fallibility renders the drama all the more relatable and engaging.

Indeed, the strength of Ride Upon The Storm lies in its performances. The cast, led by Mikkelsen, Andersen, and Sears, is formidable. They bring gravitas, vulnerability, and authenticity that carry the emotional weight, psychic complexities, and ethical intricacies of their respective roles. Mikkelsen, renowned from acclaimed series like The Killing and Sherlock, produces yet another stellar performance, commanding each scene he graces with awe-inspiring intensity and a deep-seated vulnerability, making Johannes a character both to empathize with and critique.

Laced with political undertones and featuring a rich tapestry of supporting characters, each episode spans various stages in the lives of the Krogh family, providing a wide-angle view of both their personal and professional ups and downs. Price's storytelling dexterity lies in his ability to foreground the raw and uncomfortable aspects of life, faith, and humanity, making no attempts to gloss over the flawed nature of his characters.

Beautifully shot and deftly directed, the series strikes just the right balance between the spectacular and the intimate. The cinematography captures the subtleties of the human condition and drawn-out spiritual contemplation, while the production design and visuals lend a sense of grandeur and authenticity.

With its intelligent, layered storytelling, evocative setting, vivid characterization, and committed performances, Ride Upon The Storm offers an in-depth, no-holds-barred exploration of faith, family, ambition, and the price one is willing to pay in pursuit of one's calling. The series functions as a perceptive, compelling, and thoughtful human drama, a riveting family saga, and an insightful commentary on modern religion.

At its core, Ride Upon The Storm is not just a narrative that anatomizes religion; it is a reflection of humanity in all its layered complexities and thought-provoking ambiguities.

Whether you're drawn to character-driven dramas, interested in existential questions, or intrigued by the exploration of religion in contemporary society, this series promises to engage, challenge, and ultimately enrich your viewing experience.