It is often said that TV now produces much higher quality content than cinema, and while I don't fully agree, this show definitely makes me realise why the argument is being made.
It's a show that doesn't rely on flashy effects, over-the-top drama, pandering to whomever, CGI (a welcomed departure from most Serbian TV shows), enormous stakes etc. Instead, Children of Evil (Deca zla) stands out with its well crafter storyline, wonderful photography, moody atmosphere and layered characters. Now the last one is something we really don't get to see too often these days and it is something I was perhaps the most impressed by.
From the opening scenes "Children of Evil " struck me with its beautiful, moody photography. I can tell someone was a fan of the latest Batman film. The camera work is top-notch, not always consistent with the overall aesthetics, but still top notch for a TV show. The way they use lighting adds a lot to the show's atmosphere and mood. It's a dark show. That atmosphere gives us all the details left out of the dialogue, and for someone like me it is the key component reminding me of the golden age of creative, moody, neo-noir like Serbian cinema - the 90's.
I can not, of course, get into too much detail about the story itself, but it was very clever, grounded in reality with some very realistic motives. It kept us on edge, guessing, and just as you think you have it all figured out, something happens that makes you go back and reinterpret your theory. What a quality crime drama is supposed to do. It's a complex narrative with lots of twists and turns, but those never felt like complexity for complexity's sake. It's not rushed, what is more, there were a couple of episodes around the middle when it could've picked up the pace a bit, but nothing too bad. They take their time to develop the plot, and the characters. The writing shows a deep understanding of human psychology and relationships, making it both intellectually stimulating and emotionally touching. It certainly helps that court/crime drama is written by an actual judge and one that is among the rare uncorrupt ones on top of that.
Characters are perhaps the best part of this show, they are all refreshingly imperfect. Everyone has some moral flaws, character imperfections, weaknesses but also some redeeming qualities and justifiable motives. Relatable even. Now that isn't new, but does seem to be often forgotten in modern filmmaking. There is no moral high ground, no Mary Sues, no preachiness. They're not your typical heroes and villains. Instead, they're real people with flaws and personal, even relatable struggles. Each character, both the 'villains' and the 'good guys' are well-developed with their own backstories and motivations whether you like them or agree with them or not.
Which brings me to the actors themselves. The choice for the pompous, yet moral, but deeply flawed and vulnerable protagonist was a great one. Apart from him, the veterans of Serbian cinema and theatre certainly stand out (my personal favourite - the alcoholic Uncle) but no one as much as the heartbreakingly troubled, haunted Branko, what a performance! Though the younger characters do very well, there's a noticeable gap in quality and consistence of their performance. One side character absolutely blew me away - the corrupt, sociopath of a 'Minister', but I'll come back to that bit later. The only main character that over-acted a bit was the state persecutor Basta. She did have a complex character but the performance was a bit overly dramatic, theatre like at times. But all actors' ability to convey a wide range of emotions is really impressive and adds to the overall quality of the show.
Last but not least, the hidden commentary, and I stress hidden, because that subtle art is definitely lost today. This is not just entertainment; it's a thought-provoking experience. While the main plot is emotionally impactful leaving us with a strong moral dilemma, it is the subplots that dive deep into the almost unsalvageable, corrupt state of Serbian legal or even political system as a whole. The eeriest part of this show aren't the crimes, or the crimes that beget crimes, it is the fact that while the story itself is fiction, none of the things that happen in the show are. All of this is happening in Serbia as we speak - the corrupt judicial system under the control of a one party State, the corrupt police, the utter immorality of entirely tabloidised media also under the control of the State, the cooperation between mafia and the State, the rare windmill Crusaders and the unresolved past...I appreciate that the show was subtle enough about it and it allows those not familiar with the country to write it off as (probably exaggerated piece of ) fiction. It isn't intrusive. But for those who are familiar, the eerie similarities between the character of the Minsiter and current Serbian president, the demagogy, the MO, the violence and aggression behind the veneer of peace and tolerance...it's is too real at time.
I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates quality television. And I hope we get to see more from this writer and this team.
