The Truth Will Out

The Truth Will Out is a compelling and intriguing drama series from Acorn TV, which was released on the digital platform in 2018. It hails from Sweden's rich pool of Nordic noir, featuring tension-filled plotlines layered with multiple dimensions of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth which are trademarks of the genre.

The show is primarily centered around the character Peter Wendel, a police officer who, after a prolonged period of sick leave, is eager to get back to work. Wendel struggles with personal demons and is keen to establish a new police squad that focuses on cold cases. His desire is to put together an efficient team that can invigorate justice in unsolved cases. However, given budget constraints, he winds up with a mismatched and quirky team of detectives. Their individual personalities and set of skills, while strikingly different, collectively add an interesting element to the storyline.

The story really begins to unfold when a mysterious tip is received, claiming that Sweden's most notorious serial killer isn't the criminal he was thought to be. He was, in fact, reportedly in prison when one of the essential murders occurred. This major call into question throws the justice system into chaos, opening the door to a thrilling investigative journey.

The Truth Will Out is an eight-part series hemmed with nuanced characterization, well-developed plot points, and complex relational dynamics. The plot unveils slowly, with the suspense nibbling at viewers’ nerves. The series perfectly exemplifies Scandinavian crime dramas where the narratives are not only built around the crime but also indulge heavily in character development. It precisely portrays the messy, intersectional realities of life, hunting for justice, unraveling truth and deception as they proceed.

One of the strengths of The Truth Will Out is the main character, Peter Wendel. Wendel is not a typical hero. He is an empathetic portrayal of an officer grappling with mental health issues. The show does an excellent job of presenting him as a thorough professional who can segregate his personal and professional life. Wendel is portrayed as a man with a mission, determined to led an unconventional team to explore more profound truths, and adding to the complication is his complicated past.

As Wendel and his team undertake the laborious task of finding the killer and calculating his next moves, they face challenges from higher-ups and critics, adding another layer of conflict to the story. Divulging further into the relentless chase of the serial killer, the narrative gradually peels off multiple layers, revealing societal issues and showing a mirror to Sweden's creaky justice system.

The show lovingly builds on its secondary characters, deducing their own persona and emotional baggage they carry while handling the gruesome reality of serial killings. The dynamics within Wendel’s team add much-needed comic relief and softer moments to an otherwise hard-hitting crime storyline.

The Truth Will Out is aesthetically right up there with its peers, with some stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of Sweden while concurrently retaining the bleak and chilling spirit of a crime noir. The authenticity of the locales adds a character in itself, enhancing the narrative's raw and real undertone.

An evocative and moody score makes the entire viewing experience not just visually appealing but audibly enjoyable, enhancing the sense of dread, tension, and anticipation which are crucial elements of a crime thriller. Moreover, the series has been well-received for its restrained and subdued performances that echo with the general tonality of the narrative.

In essence, The Truth Will Out successfully marries crime procedural with character drama, making it an enthralling watch. It's a well-executed series that hooks you with its intriguing storytelling, dramatic revelations, and emotionally rich characters. It leverages the kernel of paranoia that's ever-present in detective dramas and uses it to keep you guessing ‘who done it?’ till the end.

With Acorn TV's platform, The Truth Will Out entices viewers beyond geographical boundaries. It shares a narrative that is universally relatable despite being deeply entrenched in the local flavor of Swedish storytelling. It keeps viewers company in the cold, dark Swedish moors, racing hearts and keeping them on their toes, leaving them craving for more even after the screen goes blank.