Veronika

A new entry into the rapidly vast growing genre of Nordic Noir, this one set in a quaint Swedish village where a troubled police officer has visions of dead people who come to her for their unsolved murders! Sounds familiar, but Veronika has connections with the deceased, stemming from an early age when her father passed tragically, and how it all ties in with the current horrific murders.

A slow burner (really kicks in by end of episode 2) that is approached in a feature film style, allowing scenes to build and not relying on too much dialogue. Instead it shows the art in visual storytelling, piecing together the intricate puzzle, leaving a tiny trail of breadcrumbs, enough to keep one watching in unraveling the murder mystery that will hook you in to the very end.

In the competitive world of crime television, 'Veronica' stands out - but for all the wrong reasons. This Swedish crime series, which had the potential to weave an intricate tale of mystery and suspense, instead plods along with an excruciatingly slow pace that tests even the most patient viewer's endurance. Instead of dynamic action or deep, meaningful exchanges, the audience is treated to the lead actress spending a majority of her screen time staring vacantly into the air. This choice, presumably intended to convey introspection or emotional depth, instead comes off as tedious and fails to advance the plot or develop her character in any significant way.

Adding to the show's challenges are the bewildering choices made in post-production. Every indoor scene is bathed in a peculiar white haze, a stylistic decision that might have aimed for a sense of dreaminess or otherworldliness but instead feels out of place and distracting. This, coupled with the decision to shroud scenes in darkness, often makes it impossible to decipher what's happening on screen. While dim lighting can enhance the atmosphere of crime dramas, making it a tool for building tension and mystery, 'Veronica' takes it to an extreme. The result is a series of scenes where viewers are likely to find themselves squinting at their screens, trying in vain to make out the characters and actions.

The show's failure to utilize its visual and narrative elements effectively is a disservice to its audience and a squandered opportunity to contribute something memorable to the Swedish crime genre. Instead of drawing viewers into a gripping, atmospheric story, 'Veronica' leaves them adrift in a sea of frustration and unfulfilled potential. One can only hope that future endeavors in this genre learn from these missteps and strive for a balance between style and substance, rather than sacrificing one for the sake of the other.

Must admit that the Nordic Noir genre is not my favorite. It happens far too little in general and in Veronika it's really tough, to say the least. I like Alexandra Rapaport as an actress but this role playing a pill abusing cop is not her best. She is not convincing in her role and sometimes the acting feels exaggerated. The dialogue between the actors is far too slow and far too little happens. However, that they brought in actors who are otherwise relatively unknown in swedish film is a plus. The serie is okay to pass the time on a Sunday when it's raining or if you want a background sound when doing something else.

But not in a good way.

The writing is appalling and so naive that it makes the first year film students look like professionals.

I doubt these amateurish has any idea how lame and unoriginal their work.

There is Zero dramatic talent - only dull and uninteresting scenes one after another.

And how the many so called producers weren't capable of seeing how this material was is a pure mystery.

Perhaps they were themselves inept to judge its underdeveloped storyline.

It truly pains to see these actors wandering around without any sense of direction.

The look is adequate and the overall production as well - but shame on the quality of writing and poor direction.

A complete waste of everyone's time.

This is not watch worthy at all. Absolute waste of time. Exept for the main characters the acting is horrible. The filming is way too dark, background music is always gloomy. Even if it's a crime/theiller show there is no need for that.

There is nothing that hooks the viewer. I have tried to watch this two times and I can hold on to the third episode. After that I can't stand it anymore. Some of the actors are so bad and cringe worthy. I dont understand why, did they spend the whole budget on the main roles and got some extras to act or is it really bad directing?

The script is questionable, so many annoying details that would never happen irl and you don't understand what the red thread is. Not even in the third episode is it clear. I absolutely hated this show and I really wanted to love it. It has all the attributes to make a great show but unfortunately it's a train wreck.