DNA

When a baby goes missing without a trace I am hooked anticipating that they will find it. But the script keeps throwing me off. Which policeman would bring their own baby on a 'missing child hunt' to work? Who would leave their baby in a babywagon outside on a ferry in a storm? Which police(wo)man would say: "have you ever seen this woman - your friend said you both didn't know her" and expect to get an honest answer?

So many errors in a decent plot is beyond me. I know we have a lot of good writers in Denmark and the actors to follow it up. But this is very amateure like. I can't say if it's the lines or the directors fault, but the actors have done so much better before, that this is really painfull at times for me to watch.

At first, Danish thriller 'DNA' feels routine, a police procedural set in (big thrill!) a DNA laboratory. But it soon develops into an engaging and tightly plotted story, in which the importance of DNA is not what we first might think. Indeed, the central story, centred on the Catholic church, felt true enough to make me feel genuinely angry at its fictional characters. As often when watching dramas from a small country, familliar faces soon appear, and Nicolas Bro (who was also in 'The Killing') plays his role well; Charlotte Rampling also features, playing a French policewoman. Overall, it's one of the better Scandi-dramas of recent years.

Written by the same team as penned 'The Killing', the story is cleverly constructed, and delivers a nice twist at the end, leaving a good lasting impression.

The acting however, is decidedly patchy. Anders Berthelson (in the lead role) shines in the last few scenes., but prior to that, does little more than vacillate between a vacant, bored expression and one of mild anguish.

Odd too, that the writers allow his young female partner to take all the punches. Strong women may be in-vogue, but this degrades the lead role considerably.

By way of contrast, Zofia Wichlacz sparkles as the troubled young mother who has her baby snatched by the nuns that are supposed to be protecting her. Why this gifted young actress hasn't been snapped up by Hollywood is something of a mystery. - 8.1/10.

I just finished the series and was deeply moved by the end. As a mother of a five-year-old I found the story incredibly painful and gripping. The storytelling was interesting and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It also raises an issue in society that should not be forgotten.

Great writing, good acting. Keeps you guessing. Worth a watch.