Subteran

Disappointing and Misplaced, Judging by the premise and the genre, I thought this show had potential. However, right from the first episode, it becomes clear what kind of series this really is. It feels more like a telenovela than the drama-packed crime triller you'd expect from Netflix. Honestly, I hope this doesn't become a trend for the platform. Throughout the entire watch, you get the impression that this series belongs on a lesser-known local TV channel - one of those shows that's there just to fill airtime. It leans heavily toward drama, and while the dramatic elements are very present, they overshadow everything else. I ended up fast-forwarding through parts of it, and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. Definitely not worth the hype or the platform it's on.

Look, I wasn't expecting another Umbre, especially given this production's budget. However, I have an issue with what this mini-series tries-and fails-to be: a representation of Romania's underground (SUBTERAN) landscape.

In short, the show feels more like a theatrical play than an authentic portrayal of Romanian street life, or Romanian every-day life for that matter.

The writing is weak, but what truly puts me off is the delivery of the lines. Florin Piersic Jr. And Cezar Grumazescu are far from convincing in their roles. Their dialogue is delivered with such perfect pronunciation that it feels like they've never heard anyone speak outside an academic setting.

The world-building remains largely untapped. Bucharest, the city where the story unfolds, barely impacts the narrative, aside from a few run-down houses scouted to create a superficial illusion of an Eastern European "ghetto." It couldn't be further from the truth.

Watch just one episode of Umbre, and the difference is clear: authenticity. From set design to language, pronunciation, and costume design, Umbre gets it right. Dressing Florin Piersic Jr. As a stereotypical Italian-wannabe-mobster doesn't make him a believable character.

Ironically, Alex Velea (a local Romanian trapper) delivers a more authentic performance in a minor role, simply by playing himself.

Subteran (2025) offers an intriguing premise, following a mother working in IT who is thrust into the dangerous world of crime after her life is turned upside down by Bucharest's criminal underworld. As she goes undercover to fight the criminals who have impacted her life, the series weaves a tale of suspense, action, and personal transformation. Created by Steve Bailie, the show has a strong foundation, but its execution leaves room for improvement.

Ana Ularu, who leads the series, delivers a solid performance as the determined mother. Her portrayal captures the vulnerability and strength of a character forced into extraordinary circumstances, and she provides emotional depth to a role that could otherwise have felt more one-dimensional. The supporting cast, including Cezar Grumazescu and Florin Piersic Jr., also bring their characters to life with conviction, though their roles often lack the same depth as Ularu's.

While the concept of the show is compelling, with a strong central character fighting to protect her family, the pacing of the series occasionally falters. The balance between action and character development feels uneven, with some episodes focusing too heavily on plot progression at the expense of emotional engagement. The show could benefit from a deeper exploration of the protagonist's internal struggles and motivations, rather than relying solely on external conflicts.

The visual style of Subteran is effective in conveying the gritty, dangerous world of Bucharest's criminal landscape. The cinematography captures the urban environment with stark realism, and the action sequences are decently executed, though they sometimes feel a bit generic. The series doesn't always fully capitalize on the tension that its premise promises, and the plot's predictability dampens the overall impact.

Subteran has potential, but it doesn't fully realize it in its early stages. The premise is engaging, and there are strong performances, but the series struggles to find its emotional depth and pacing. If the show can build on its solid foundation and develop its characters more fully, it could become a more compelling watch in future seasons.

Rating: 6/10. A promising crime drama with a strong premise, but its uneven pacing and lack of emotional depth hold it back from reaching its full potential.

When it comes to Romanian action series, many people tend to compare it to Umbre. It's a mini-series with a decent storyline. You can clearly see the Netflix influence compared to what Romanian audiences are accustomed to in TV shows. Yes, it's not a masterpiece, but I don't think that was the goal. I could mention things I didn't like, but that would involve giving spoilers, which isn't necessary. In the end, Florin Piersic Jr. Is undoubtedly the actor who fits his role the best and adds extra value to the mini-series. So, if you have nothing to do on a day, you can give it a chance. Leave your expectations tied to Umbre aside, as it's not exactly the same type of action and doesn't aim to be.

P. S. Merge de plictiseala!

This is my first IMDB review, I just wanted to say that this is definitely not a "telenovela" like Lia My Husbands Wife, it deserves more love and less hate, it's really cool and engaging and i really hope they renew it.

It's not a masterpiece and a must see show, but most will enjoy watching it, especially Romanian watchers, to which I recommend it.

Compared to other Romanian TV Shows I think it's a breath of new air.

Florin Piersic Jr has a very interesting villain role and acts it superbly.

The only music genre I don't listen to is HipHop, but the soundtrack for this show is very well picked so i started enjoying HipHop :))