6.3 / 10 (based on 933 reviews)
Olle Hulten wakes up drunk on the ferry between Sandefjord and Strömstad. In his car is a gun and a lot of money. Simultaneously the police is chasing a robber whom have hijacked a car and is holding the security guard at gunpoint.
Genre: Action, Thriller
Main Cast: Kristoffer Joner, Hanna Alström, Julia Schacht, Emilia Roosmann
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes
Shows Most Like Maskineriet (2020)
Partisan (2020)
5.5 / 10 (based on 1887 reviews)
Set in the idyllic surroundings of Jordnära, a gated community that runs a very successful organic farm. A man takes a job offer, soon learning about their unorthodox rules and routines.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Anna Björk, Sofia Karemyr, Ylvali Rurling, Emelie Garbers
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes, 227.0-minute runtime
Fartblinda (2019)
7.1 / 10 (based on 1731 reviews)
Economics reporter Bea has promised herself not to mix jobs and private life, but fails to defend herself when she falls in love with the charming bank director Peder. Suddenly she gets a tip that his bank is hiding big problems.
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Julia Ragnarsson, Matias Varela, Julia Dufvenius, Claes Månsson
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 9 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Top Dog (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 2078 reviews)
A mysterious disappearance makes two completely separate worlds collide, creating an extremely odd couple – the lawyer Emily and recently released convict Teddy.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Josefin Asplund, Alexej Manvelov, Jessica Grabowsky, Gustav Lindh
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Bäckström (2020)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1798 reviews)
Unscrupulous and arrogant murder detective Evert Bäckström finds himself with the hardest case he ever had when a skull pierced with bullet holes is found on an uninhabited island in the archipelago.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Kjell Bergqvist, Agnes Lindström Bolmgren, Livia Millhagen, Pekka Strang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Heder (2019)
6.4 / 10 (based on 1295 reviews)
Four partners at a law firm called Heder gain notoriety by helping victims of sex crimes and speaking out against patriarchy.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Julia Dufvenius, Anja Lundqvist, Alexandra Rapaport, Eva Röse
Creators: Julia Dufvenius, Sofia Helin, Anja Lundqvist
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 22 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Advokaten (2018)
7 / 10 (based on 1759 reviews)
When Frank Nordling learns the truth about his parents’ death, his world unravels. As he finds out, they were murdered by one of the leaders in Copenhagen’s criminal underworld, Thomas Waldman, who happens to be his firm’s biggest client.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Alexander Karim, Malin Buska, Thomas Bo Larsen, Nicolaj Kopernikus
Creators: Mikael Newihl
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Den inre cirkeln (2019)
6.6 / 10 (based on 414 reviews)
David Ehrling will stop at nothing to become Prime Minister. But is it a price worth paying?
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Niklas Engdahl, Nanna Blondell, Ebba Hultkvist Stragne, Olle Sarri
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 360.0-minute runtime
DNA (2019)
7.4 / 10 (based on 3017 reviews)
Five years after his daughter’s disappearance, Danish police officer Rolf discovers a fatal flaw in the DNA database and might finally be able to find her.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Anders W. Berthelsen, Zofia Wichlacz, Charlotte Rampling, Olivia Joof Lewerissa
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 321.0-minute runtime
Tjockare än vatten (2014)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1583 reviews)
A mother sends postcards to her estranged son and daughter, inviting them back to the guest house they grew up in. She gives each of her children one piece of advice and leaves them to ponder the meaning.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Björn Bengtsson, Joel Spira, Aliette Opheim, Jessica Grabowsky
Creators: Henrik Jansson-Schweizer
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 27 episodes, 58.0-minute runtime
In the vast sea of TV shows, it’s easy to get lost among the waves of crime dramas, comedies, and reality TV. However, every so often, a show like “Maskineriet” (2020) emerges, cutting through the noise with its unique premise and gripping narrative. This Norwegian-Swedish thriller, known in English as “The Machinery,” has managed to capture the attention of a global audience, proving that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create a compelling story that resonates with viewers around the world.
The Premise
At its core, “Maskineriet” is a show that defies easy categorization. It starts with a simple yet intriguing premise: a man wakes up on a ferry between Sweden and Norway with no memory of how he got there or who he is. But that’s not all—he’s also surrounded by a pile of money, a gun, and a dead body. This setup alone is enough to hook any viewer, but what makes “Maskineriet” stand out is how it builds on this foundation.
The man, later identified as Olle Hultén, played by the talented Kristoffer Joner, finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy that’s much bigger than he could have ever imagined. As Olle tries to piece together his lost memories, he’s also running from the law, dodging hitmen, and trying to protect his family. The show does an excellent job of keeping the tension high, making it nearly impossible to stop watching once you’ve started.
The Characters
A show is only as good as its characters, and “Maskineriet” excels in this department. Olle Hultén is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. Despite his flaws and the morally ambiguous decisions he makes, his determination to uncover the truth and protect his loved ones makes him a compelling character. Kristoffer Joner’s performance is nuanced, capturing the confusion, fear, and resolve of a man in over his head.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. From Olle’s wife, played by Julia Schacht, who becomes increasingly entangled in the web of lies and danger, to the determined police officer Kasper Lea, portrayed by Hanna Alström, who is hot on Olle’s trail, each character adds depth and complexity to the story.
The Setting
The show’s setting plays a crucial role in its atmosphere and tension. The stark landscapes of the Nordic region, with its cold seas, rugged coastlines, and urban environments, provide a perfect backdrop for the story. The ferry, where Olle first finds himself, acts as a symbol of his isolation and confusion, floating between two countries, belonging to neither. This sense of displacement is a recurring theme throughout the series, enhancing the suspense and mystery.
The Themes
“Maskineriet” is more than just a thriller; it’s a show that explores deeper themes such as identity, morality, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. Olle’s journey is not just about finding out who he is but also about confronting the person he used to be. The show raises questions about the nature of memory and whether a person can truly change.
Moreover, the series delves into the murky waters of crime and corruption, showing how individuals can become caught in the gears of a much larger machine. It’s a reminder of how complex and interconnected our world is, and how actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Why It Stands Out
In a genre that’s often filled with clichés and predictable plot twists, “Maskineriet” stands out for its originality and execution. The show is a masterclass in pacing, balancing fast-paced action scenes with quieter moments of introspection. The writing is sharp, avoiding unnecessary fluff and keeping viewers on their toes.
What’s more, “Maskineriet” proves that language and location are no barriers to storytelling. In an era where global streaming services are bringing diverse content to a worldwide audience, this show is a testament to the universal appeal of a well-told story. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most compelling narratives come from the most unexpected places.
Conclusion
“Maskineriet” is a show that deserves a spot on your watchlist. With its intriguing premise, complex characters, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a series that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or simply appreciate quality storytelling, this is a show that delivers on all fronts.
As the TV landscape continues to evolve, “Maskineriet” serves as a shining example of the potential for international productions to make a significant impact. It’s a reminder that great stories can come from anywhere, transcending borders and languages. So, if you’re looking for a show that offers something different from the usual fare, give “Maskineriet” a chance. You won’t be disappointed.