Wilder

Wilder, a Swiss-German TV series which first aired on SRF 1 in 2017, weaves a gripping tale that is a beckoning mix of crime, suspense, mystery, and the intricate aspects of human relationships. This absorbing drama series has garnered critical acclaim for its well-constructed storyline, captivating performances by the cast, and its impressive cinematography that showcases the beauty, solitude as well as the underlying disquiet of rural Switzerland.

The show’s title, also the surname of the series’ main characters Rosa and Manfred Wilder, indicates from the outset this is a drama centring on family ties, but not in any usual sense. Family for the Wilders isn’t a comforting shelter from the dangers of the world but a source of deep-seated aggrievances, secrets and confrontations. Rosa Wilder, played by Sarah Spale, is the show's lead and she is a police investigator in the city of Bern but on getting posted back to her native town of Oberwies under peculiar circumstances, she once again gets entangled in the web of her hometown’s mysteries and her own past that she ran from.

The setting is a pivotal aspect of Wilder. The series is set in the secluded, fictional town of Oberwies, whose icy landscapes and thick forests exude a sense of chilling beauty, mirroring the unsettling tranquillity amid the suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative. The show does an exceptional job of playing the remote, scenic beauty of the Swiss Alps against the underlying tension of the dark mysteries that beleaguer the seemingly peaceful town.

With each episode focusing on a new crime, the series follows the typical detective approach of deciphering mysteries against the clock. But Wilder also unfolds a much deeper tale, one that ranges from the corporate politics of mountain tourism to the complexities of small-town dynamics and family feuds. Peppered with references to old alpine folklore, the show uses the cultural context to build a unique backdrop that enhances its narrative.

The creators of Wilder have been praised for their handling of an ensemble cast that contributes significantly to the narrative depth and complexity. This includes Manfred Wilder, Rosa's estranged father, whose gruff exterior hides a fear of facing the truth in his personal life and in his relationship with Rosa. Another significant character is Kägi, a fellow detective and Rosa's former police academy schoolmate, whose fierce loyalty often clashes with his professional obligations. The rest of the characters too, from tourists to town residents, each have their own interesting backstories and secrets, helping to maintain a sense of intrigue at all times.

As the series progresses, Rosa finds herself driven by her inherent sense of duty and justice, but also tortured by the demons of her past. The show subtly interrogates the essence of identity, belongingness, and companionship, giving it an emotional depth that's rare in conventional crime dramas. Whether it’s dealing with the plight of the ignored native rural populace or delving deeper into personal vendettas, Wilder ensures that matters of the heart are never overshadowed by its thrilling crime-solving narrative.

Wilder also stands out for its stunning cinematography. The director makes full use of Switzerland's diverse locales to create contrasting scenes of calm and chaos. The camera elegantly captures the peaceful, snow-laden landscapes, pristine forest trails, and quaint mountain houses, setting a serene tone that sharply contrasts with the suspense and urgency of Rosa's investigations. The occasional use of a bird's-eye view only enhances the sense of seclusion and tension that comes with living in such an isolated place.

In terms of the series' music, the theme tune and background score are noteworthy for their simplicity and effectiveness in amplifying mood and emotion. The restrained, almost minimalistic use of sound sets a haunting, melancholic tone that further lends to the series' atmospheric storytelling.

Wilder is not just a detective series, but also a complex human drama that seamlessly fuses suspense with social commentary and emotional intelligence. Its captivating and multi-layered narrative combined with spellbinding mise-en-scène make for a deeply immersive viewing experience. By the end of the series, viewers are left not just with the satisfaction of a thrilling storyline, but also reflections on the community, heritage, and the chasms between the rural and urban landscapes. In the show’s subtle exploration of human nature, one can see that sometimes, in solving a mystery, unsolvable puzzles of the heart are also unraveled.

This powerful, slow-burning drama series is a brilliant addition to the crime genre, offering more than meets the eye, and gripping the audience in its frosty, yet immersive grip right from the very first episode. It's no wonder that Wilder has been hailed as an innovative masterpiece that brings a fresh perspective to Swiss and indeed global TV crime dramas.