6.7 / 10 (based on 84 reviews)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Michal Czernecki, Malgorzata Kozuchowska, Agnieszka Grochowska, Agata Turkot
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 45-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Motyw (2019)
Szadz (2020)
6.5 / 10 (based on 859 reviews)
A young girl is murdered near Opole. Terrifying body mutilations and marks left in place indicate ritual murder. The matter is being dealt with by Commissioner Agnieszka Polkowska. Due to the extraordinary cruelty of the crime and the suspicion that the perpetrator may be a serial killer, the case is interested in the Provincial Headquarters. Polkowska, to her dissatisfaction, is assigned to the investigation of Commissioner Tomasz Mrówiec. At that time, Piotr Wolnicki, lectures on religious studies at the Opole university. He permanently works and lives with his family in a beautiful home. Already at the beginning of the academic year, the man chooses his humble and intelligent student Ewa Banach as his favorite. The girl does not know that her lecturer hides a dark secret.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Maciej Stuhr, Aleksandra Poplawska, Bartosz Gelner, Anna Cieslak
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
The Disappearance (2018)
6.9 / 10 (based on 984 reviews)
The Szlezyngiers’ peace is ruined when their daughter disappears mysteriously. Will an old friend and lawyer be able to defend the desperate parents?
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Magdalena Cielecka, Filip Plawiak, Piotr Zurawski, Jakub Gierszal
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 32 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Kod genetyczny (2020)
6.1 / 10 (based on 67 reviews)
“The Genetic Code” is a story of blood ties subjected to the most difficult test. Two men, one woman, crime and forbidden passion. How far can you go to stand up for your loved ones?
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Karolina Gruszka, Maciej Musialowski, Julia Kijowska, Krzysztof Pieczynski
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Pulapka (2018)
6.5 / 10 (based on 668 reviews)
The protagonist, Olga Sawicka, struggles with the demons of the past – traumatic experiences that prevent her from experiencing peace after her husband’s death and start working on another novel. Looking for inspiration, he goes to a TV reportage. Zuza, one of the children in the orphanage, disappeared. Intrigued by the subject, the writer decides to visit the institution under the pretext of a copyright meeting. Her attention is drawn by Ewa – a sensitive girl persecuted by her peers, who does not know anything about her own past. To find out more about an intriguing teenager, Olga decides to ask a friendly policewoman, Justyna, for help. This triggers a real avalanche of accidents … Sawicka finds herself in the middle of a crime mystery, which turns out to be as complicated as the ones she described in her books. Soon the writer will find out that the orphanage hides many dark secrets, and the pupils and educators are reluctant to reveal what is happening behind the closed doors of the institution. Meeting with Ewa will cause that Olga will become entangled in a deadly dangerous investigation related to the mystery from years ago…
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Agata Kulesza, Marianna Kowalewska, Leszek Lichota, Mateusz Wieclawek
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 13 episodes, 44.0-minute runtime
Nieobecni (2020)
6.4 / 10 (based on 115 reviews)
Mila Gajda, an acclaimed dancer and performer, returns to her hometown of Kasprów for Christmas. Once there, a young woman discovers that her loved ones have mysteriously disappeared. Mili comes to the aid of the sub-commissioner from the Center for the Search for Missing Persons, Filip Zachara. An eccentric – suffering from Asperger Syndrome – the officer starts an investigation into the disappearance of the Gajda family.
Genre: Crime
Main Cast: Justyna Wasilewska, Piotr Glowacki, Mateusz Czulowski, Izabela Kuna
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Skazana (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 653 reviews)
Successful judge Alicja Mazur, who is known for her severity towards criminals. The woman is unexpectedly accused of a murder she did not commit. She is sent to prison, where she has to survive among the women she previously condemned herself. She is kept alive by a teenage daughter and a desire to take revenge on those who set her up.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Agata Kulesza, Michal Czernecki, Bartlomiej Topa, Marta Scislowicz
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Znaki (2018)
6.4 / 10 (based on 1863 reviews)
When a young woman’s murder shows similarities to a decade-old case, a new police commander must break the silence permeating Owl Mountain town.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Andrzej Konopka, Helena Sujecka, Jen Fiskum, Magdalena Zak
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 16 episodes
Wataha (2014)
7.6 / 10 (based on 2873 reviews)
After bombing attack, which killed his friends from the Border Guard, Captain Wiktor Rebrow trying to unravel the mystery and figure out what happened and who is behind it all.
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Leszek Lichota, Aleksandra Poplawska, Andrzej Zielinski, Maciej Mikolajczyk
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 18 episodes, 41.0-minute runtime
Rojst (2018)
7 / 10 (based on 4728 reviews)
In an early-’80s Polish town, a prostitute and a youth leader are found killed, but the police’s handling of the case makes two journalists suspicious.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Dawid Ogrodnik, Zofia Wichlacz, Andrzej Seweryn, Agnieszka Zulewska
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 12 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, the crime drama genre has been a staple for decades, captivating audiences with tales of mystery, intrigue, and the pursuit of justice. Among the myriad of shows that have graced our screens, one Polish series, “Motyw” (2019), stands out not just for its gripping narrative but also for its unique approach to storytelling and character development. Let’s explore what makes “Motyw” a must-watch for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
The Premise
At its core, “Motyw” is a procedural crime drama that follows a team of detectives as they solve various cases. What sets it apart is its focus on the psychological motivations behind the crimes. Each episode delves into the ‘why’ rather than just the ‘how,’ providing a deeper understanding of human nature and the complexities of the criminal mind. This approach not only adds layers to the narrative but also invites viewers to think critically about the nature of crime and punishment.
The Characters
The strength of any good series lies in its characters, and “Motyw” is no exception. The show boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backgrounds, quirks, and moral compasses. This diversity allows for a rich exploration of themes such as justice, redemption, and the gray areas of morality.
The Lead Detective
Central to the narrative is the lead detective, a character whose dedication to the job is matched only by their complexity as a human being. They are not your typical hero; their flaws and personal struggles are front and center, making them relatable and human. This vulnerability is a refreshing departure from the infallible detective archetype often seen in crime dramas.
The Team
The detective is supported by a team of equally compelling characters, each bringing their own expertise and personality to the table. From the tech-savvy analyst to the seasoned veteran, the dynamics within the team add an additional layer of interest to the series. Their interactions, conflicts, and camaraderie not only enrich the narrative but also provide moments of levity amidst the darker themes of the show.
The Storytelling
What truly sets “Motyw” apart is its storytelling. The series masterfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, balancing the case-of-the-week format with longer, overarching storylines. This structure keeps the series fresh and engaging, ensuring that viewers remain hooked from one episode to the next.
The Cases
Each episode introduces a new case, ranging from the mundane to the bizarre. What makes these cases compelling is not their sensationalism but the depth of human emotion and conflict at their core. The show does an excellent job of exploring the circumstances and motivations that lead individuals down a path of crime, providing a nuanced perspective that challenges black-and-white notions of guilt and innocence.
The Overarching Plot
While the episodic cases are engaging in their own right, “Motyw” also features an overarching plot that unfolds throughout the series. This plot involves a personal vendetta against the lead detective, adding a layer of personal stakes to the narrative. The gradual unraveling of this storyline adds suspense and depth, making each episode a piece of a larger puzzle.
The Cinematography and Setting
“Motyw” is not only a feast for the mind but also for the eyes. The cinematography is top-notch, with a visual style that perfectly complements the tone of the series. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles enhances the mood of each scene, from the tension of a crime scene investigation to the introspection of a character moment.
The setting of the series, while grounded in reality, has a character of its own. The city streets, the police precinct, and the various crime scenes are depicted with a level of detail that immerses viewers in the world of “Motyw.” This attention to setting adds authenticity to the series, making the stories and characters all the more believable.
Why Watch “Motyw”?
So, why should “Motyw” be on your watchlist? Here are a few reasons:
- Complex Characters: The series offers a cast of characters that are not only diverse but also deeply human. Their flaws, struggles, and growth make them relatable and compelling.
- Thought-Provoking Cases: The focus on the psychological motivations behind crimes provides a fresh and intriguing perspective on the crime drama genre.
- Engaging Storytelling: With its mix of episodic cases and an overarching plot, “Motyw” keeps viewers engaged and invested in the narrative.
- Stunning Visuals: The cinematography and setting add an additional layer of depth and immersion to the series.
- Universal Themes: Despite being a Polish series, the themes of “Motyw” are universal, touching on issues of justice, morality, and the human condition.
In conclusion, “Motyw” is a standout series that offers a unique and engaging take on the crime drama genre. Its focus on character and storytelling, combined with top-notch production values, makes it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of justice. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply looking for a series that offers something more than the usual fare, “Motyw” is well worth your time.