🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the Norwegian noir crime drama series “Borderliner,” viewers are taken on a gripping journey through the dark and twisted world of police officer Nikolai. When Nikolai investigates a local man’s supposed suicide in his hometown, he takes drastic measures to protect his brother, a fellow cop, from being implicated in the crime. However, Nikolai’s actions set off a dangerous chain of events as his partner begins to suspect foul play.
As the plot thickens, Nikolai finds himself entangled in a web of lies and deceit, pushing him to the edge as he struggles to keep his secrets hidden. Starring David Avery, Tobias Santelmann, Benjamin Helstad, the series delves deep into the complexities of family loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries.
Set against the backdrop of a small town in Norway, “Borderliner” weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As Nikolai’s world unravels, the conspiracy surrounding the fake suicide spreads like wildfire, threatening to destroy everything he holds dear.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Tobias Santelmann, Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Benjamin Helstad, Frode Winther, Bjørn Skagestad, Eivind Sander, Thelma Farnes Ottersen, Todd Bishop Monrad Vistven, Ole Christoffer Ertvaag, Marina Popovic, Gine Cornelia Pedersen, Ana Gil de Melo Nascimento, Kim-Henning Nilsen, Morten Svartveit, Ellen Birgitte Winther, Even Pedersen
Movie Casting:
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Tobias Santelmann | Nikolai Andreassen |
Ellen Dorrit Petersen | Anniken Høygaard-Larsen |
Benjamin Helstad | Lars Andreassen |
Eivind Sander | Josef |
Bjørn Skagestad | Hans |
Thelma Farnes Ottersen | Unknown |
Todd Bishop Monrad Vistven | Unknown |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the Scandinavian crime scene where the drama is as chilling as the weather, and the mysteries are as complex as assembling IKEA furniture. If you’re craving a thrilling ride through the dark and twisted world of Nordic noir, then “Borderliner” on Netflix might just be your cup of hot cocoa in a blizzard.
Imagine a fusion between a crackling crime thriller and a serious family drama; that’s what “Borderliner” serves up in its eight episodes. The show weaves together intricate plotlines, flawed characters, and unexpected twists to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Plot and Themes:
- Plot: “Borderliner” begins with police detective Nikolai making a fateful decision to cover up a murder case to protect his family. However, when his co-investigator Anniken smells foul play, Nikolai finds himself ensnared in a web of deceit.
- Themes: The series delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, corruption, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. It explores the blurred lines between right and wrong, showcasing the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
The initial crime/mystery grips you from the start but beware; some viewers have noted that the plot loses its way along the journey. While some find it engaging till the end, others feel unsatisfied with unresolved threads.
Acting and Characters:
- Acting: The cast delivers solid performances overall, with standout moments that showcase their talent. However, there are instances where certain character choices may come off as silly or lacking depth.
- Characters: From Nikolai’s internal struggle to Anniken’s relentless pursuit of truth, each character brings a unique layer to the story. Their interactions and conflicts drive the narrative forward, adding richness to the overall experience.
The lead actor’s portrayal has received mixed reviews; some see it as a product of weak writing choices while others appreciate the complexity he brings to his character.
Direction and Cinematography:
- Direction: The direction keeps you engaged with its pacing and visual storytelling. The transitions between intense action sequences and quiet family moments are handled skillfully.
- Cinematography: The stark beauty of Norway’s landscapes serves as a haunting backdrop for the unfolding drama. The cinematography captures both the serenity of nature and the darkness lurking beneath its surface.
The show’s visual aesthetics enhance its atmospheric quality, immersing you in its cold yet captivating world.
Production Design and Special Effects:
- Production Design: The production design effectively creates contrasting atmospheres between urban settings and rural landscapes. Each location feels authentic and adds depth to the story’s setting.
- Special Effects: While not heavily reliant on special effects, subtle cues are used to heighten tension during key moments. These understated touches contribute to building suspense throughout the series.
The attention to detail in production design creates a sense of place that grounds the narrative in reality while enhancing its immersive quality.
Binge-watching Tips:
If you’re planning to dive into “Borderliner,” here are some insider tips for an optimal viewing experience:
- Treat it like a puzzle: Pay attention to details as they may hold clues crucial for understanding later developments.
- Mindful viewing: Take breaks between episodes to savor each twist rather than binge-watching in one go.
- Dive deeper: Explore fan theories or behind-the-scenes insights after watching each episode for added intrigue.
“Borderliner” offers an intriguing blend of crime thriller elements with familial drama that is sure to keep you hooked till the very end. So grab your popcorn (or maybe some Scandinavian snacks) and immerse yourself in this Nordic noir delight!
Ratings: 8/10
In conclusion, “Borderliner” presents an addictive introduction into Scandinavian noir TV with its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and atmospheric setting. Despite minor flaws along the way, it manages to deliver an engaging viewing experience that will leave you craving for more scandi crime mysteries!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Engaging Scandinavian crime thriller | Plot loses direction towards the end |
Interesting family drama elements | Unsatisfactory resolution to the main mystery |
Realistic and complex characters | Silliness in choices by lead actor |
Crackling suspense throughout episodes | Some writing choices may seem lacking |
Feedback
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Borderliner - Wikipedia
Release November 2, 2017 Borderliner(Norwegian:) is a Norwegian noir crime drama series that involves an Oslo police detective who becomes involved in a suicide investigation while visiting his hometown. The series first aired on November 2, 2017, in Norway on TV 2 and was released to Netflix on March 6, 2018. The series was removed from Netflix in March 2023.
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Grenseland (TV Series 2017) - IMDb
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Borderliner Netflix review: The new scandi crime series you ... - Mamamia
Mindhunter. Manhunt Unabomber. Narcos. Dark. Broadchurch. Making A Murderer. The Keepers. Seven Seconds.This week, it was the new Netflix Scandinavian noir showBorderliner.Watch the full trailer for Netflix’s Borderliner below. Post continues after video.When Norwegian police detective Nikolai (Tobias Santelmann) returns to his hometown near the Swedish boarder to take leave from a high profile case in Oslo, he finds himself investigating the suicide of a local drunk.Helping his little brother Lars (Benjamin Helstad), an average local cop with the investigation, Nikolai soon realises he’s stumbled across a case much bigger than what it seems.
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Borderliner: Netflix ~ A Non-Spoiler Review - Reel 2 Reel Talk
BORDERLINER BORDERLINER aka Grenseland (2017-) is a Norwegian crime-drama, thriller. Netflix. 8 x 43-45 min. 15 Cert U.K. Available with English subtitles. Languages spoken are Norwegian, Swedish and English.Premise:“To protect his family, police detective Nikolai covers up a murder case. But when his co-investigator Anniken suspects foul play, he is trapped in a dangerous game on duty, blurring the line between right and wrong.” IMDbCast:Tobias Santelmann as NikolaiEllen Dorrit Petersen as AnnikenBenjamin Helstad as LarsEivind Sander as JosefBjørn Skagestad as Hans OlavThelma Farnes Ottersen as Milla
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New Netflix Series 'Borderliner' Is the Perfect Scandinavian Noir ...
The new Netflix seriesBorderlineris the perfect introduction to Scandinavian noir, which has otherwise failed to establish itself as trend on this side of the Atlantic, maybe because of recent cinematic efforts like the bizarre, fragmentedThe Snowman(“Hello Mister Police”). It’s really a better genre for TV anyway.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the Norwegian police thriller “Borderliner,” the story revolves around police detective Nikolai (played by Tobias Santelmann) who finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and lies after his brother Lars (played by Benjamin Helstad) confesses to a crime. The series kicks off with Nikolai standing up for his beliefs by testifying against a colleague and then discovering a suspicious death that he believes is not a suicide as it appears. Together with his colleague Anniken (played by Ellen Dorrit Petersen), Nikolai delves deeper into the case, only to find himself protecting his brother and engaging in a dangerous game of cat and mouse to evade the police.
Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a thrilling cat and mouse chase filled with cliffhangers at the end of each episode. As the story progresses, Nikolai and Lars make increasingly illogical decisions to avoid detection, leading to frustration among viewers. The character of Anniken stands out as the most compelling, with her perspective potentially offering a more engaging narrative than focusing solely on Nikolai. The series also incorporates a homosexual subplot, albeit somewhat forced into the storyline.
Despite its promising premise and moments of suspense, “Borderliner” falls short due to numerous plot holes, clumsy pacing, and an unsatisfactory ending. The illogical actions of the characters contribute to the disappointment felt by viewers, along with the unnecessary dragging out of certain plot points. The series concludes with many unanswered questions, leaving the audience with a sense of dissatisfaction.
Overall, “Borderliner” receives a 5/10 rating, with criticisms directed towards its unresolved plot points, character decisions, and pacing issues. While the journey through the series may offer some entertainment value, the lackluster ending and questionable character motivations make it a challenging recommendation for viewers seeking a cohesive and satisfying police thriller experience.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating: 16+
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
The show contains minimal sexual content with brief kissing scenes and some mild suggestive dialogue. There are no explicit sex scenes or nudity shown.
Violence & Gore:
Borderliner features moderate levels of violence including shootings, physical fights, and crime scenes. While the violence is not overly graphic, there are intense moments that may be disturbing for some viewers.
Profanity:
Mild to moderate profanity is present throughout the series, including occasional use of swear words and crude language.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
There are scenes depicting alcohol consumption and references to drug use, but they are not glamorized and mostly related to the criminal elements of the plot.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The show contains suspenseful and intense moments related to crime investigations and moral dilemmas. Some viewers may find certain scenes unsettling or emotionally intense.
Overall, Borderliner is recommended for viewers aged 16 and above due to its mature themes, moderate violence, and occasional strong language. Parents should consider the content and themes of the show before allowing younger viewers to watch.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
Netflix | Borderliner is available on Netflix. To watch the show, visit the official Netflix site and look for Borderliner under Crime TV Shows category. |
Prime Video | Borderliner Season One is available for streaming on Prime Video. You can watch the show by visiting Prime Video and searching for Borderliner. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Before 2018, I had never watched a Netflix crime TV show.
Yes, I've been watching Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Minds since I was old enough to hack the parental lock on the family Foxtel.
When Norwegian police detective Nikolai ...
With numerous plot holes, a clumsy pacing and a truly woeful ending, Borderliner is a disappointing police thriller to say the least.
To protect his family, police detective Nikolai covers up a murder case.
But when his partner suspects foul play, he is trapped in a dangerous game on duty.
By the end of episode one, almost everyone who is meant to be good winds up implicated in something very bad.
The only character whose hands manage to stay clean are Anniken’s, an Oslo homicide detective who is determined to get to the truth.
As she gets closer to finding it, things for Nikolai and his family begin to unravel until no one is innocent anymore.
If you’re a fan of nordic and Scandinavian crime offerings like The Bridge, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or Girl on the Train, Borderliner – or Grenseland in Norwegian – will become your new obsession.
With each episode, the story becomes more entangled, reeling a new character into the lies as it goes along and keeping you hanging onto every subtitle.
Fans of the series have also been pleasantly surprised to see a masculine gay male lead in Nikolai.
The eight-episode series doesn’t tie up nicely in a bow by the end, which hopefully means there’ll be a second season.
I stayed up past my bedtime every night this week to finish Borderliner, and if you’re addicted to the slow burning thrill of Netflix crime shows, you will too.
🤖Borderliner Reddit Talks
Borderliner TV Show
General Reception
The Norwegian noir show “Borderliner” has received positive feedback from viewers, with many praising its cinematography and plot. Some have drawn comparisons to the popular show “True Detective.”
Comedy vs. Drama
The show has been categorized as both a comedy and a drama. Some viewers have expressed confusion about this, as the show can shift between humorous and serious moments. However, others have appreciated this unique blend of genres.
Comparison to “Seven Seconds”
“Borderliner” has been compared to another show, “Seven Seconds,” which also deals with police cover-ups. Some viewers have found “Borderliner” to be the more compelling show, while others prefer the more straightforward approach of “Seven Seconds.”
British Mockumentary
The British mockumentary “Borderline” is a hilarious series that follows the security employees at a small British airport. The show’s absurd and ridiculous writing has been praised by many viewers.
Therapeutic Value
Some viewers have found the show “Borderline” to be therapeutic, particularly the character of Conversation Street and his unique way of speaking.
Episode Quality
While most viewers have enjoyed the show overall, some have found the last few episodes to be less engaging. The writing has been described as too absurd and ridiculous, and some viewers have felt that the show has lost its way.
Episode Rankings
The episode “borderline forever” has dropped out of the top 30 episodes on IMDb, indicating that some viewers may be losing interest in the show.
Dark Turn
The show “30 ROCK” took a dark turn in its seventh season, with the character Tracy wishing to die young and later being hit by two cabs. Some viewers were surprised by this sudden shift in tone.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/84riz0/anybody_been_watching_borderliner/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/SRSDiscussion/comments/7t38va/little_rant_about_the_show_borderline/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/82ij5w/seven_seconds_or_borderliner_which_show_is_better/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/tvPlus/comments/1cnz04l/apple_acquires_tv_series_borderline/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/BritishTV/comments/a55jln/underrated_comedy_borderline/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many seasons of Borderliner are there?
Borderliner has 1 season available on Netflix.
Where can I watch Borderliner?
You can watch Borderliner on the Netflix official site.
Is Borderliner a Scandinavian crime series?
Yes, Borderliner is a Scandinavian crime series that depicts a thrilling narrative filled with family drama and criminal elements.
Who are the main cast members of Borderliner?
The main cast members of Borderliner include Tobias Santelmann as Nikolai Andreassen and Ellen Dorrit Petersen as Anniken Høygaard-Larsen.
What is the storyline of Borderliner?
Borderliner follows police detective Nikolai who covers up a murder case to protect his family. However, his actions lead to a dangerous game of deception and suspense.
Is Borderliner available in English on Netflix?
Yes, Borderliner is available in English on Netflix for viewers to enjoy the Norwegian noir crime drama series.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
Similar shows to Borderliner:
- Grenseland (TV Series 2017) : A police detective covers up a murder case to protect his family, but things take a dark turn when his co-investigator suspects foul play.
- The Killing (2011) : A gripping crime drama following the investigation of a young girl’s murder, revealing dark secrets and political intrigue.
- Bloodlands (2021) : A detective unearths a series of cold cases connected to a mysterious assassin, delving into the troubled history of Northern Ireland.
- True Detective (2014) : An anthology series that explores complex investigations and the personal lives of detectives, spanning multiple seasons.
- Dark Woods (2020) : Based on a true story, this series follows the hunt for a serial killer in a small German town surrounded by dark secrets.
- The Investigation (2020) : A meticulously crafted procedural drama focusing on the investigation of a journalist’s murder and the pursuit of justice.
- Wallander (2008-) : Follow the investigations of Swedish detective Kurt Wallander as he solves complex crimes in the scenic town of Ystad.
- Trapped (2015-) : Set in a remote Icelandic town, this series follows a troubled police chief as he unravels dark secrets amidst a snowstorm.