Subteran

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" is a surprising gem that sets a new standard for Romanian productions on Netflix. The show captivates from the first episode with its intricate plot and high-quality cinematography. The direction is sharp, making every scene purposeful and engaging. The performances are nuanced, adding depth to the layered narrative, while the script is bold and thought-provoking, keeping you guessing throughout. The production quality rivals international standards, showcasing Romania's growing prowess in the entertainment industry. It's a refreshing, well-executed series that deserves a spot on your watchlist. A must-see for fans of thrilling and intelligent storytelling!

If you have ever watched a good cop gone under cover and a Mafia type Godfather pulling all the usual strings in a city context and liked it, then this is definitely for you. Apparently it's the first Romanian TV cop show to be shown on Netflix and the bar is set really high. You've got all the usual moves of drug lord, kidnapping, corrupt Police and computer hacking as well as under cover agents whose allegiance are not always clear.

There are refreshingly strong female roles not played for decorating the sets or just as eye candy for the male eye!!

I really enjoy European programmes and this Romanian 6 parter kept me interested right to the last scene. It may be set up for a second season. I hope so.

Subteran offers a straightforward and somewhat predictable plot, aiming for broad international appeal. However, this simplicity may leave some viewers wanting more depth. The Romanian cast, though well-known, often seems mismatched with the script, which might have been translated from English, resulting in unnatural dialogue. This detracts from the overall authenticity, especially when characters speak in ways that don't fit their roles. While the intent to attract international platforms like Netflix is clear, the execution falls a bit short, making it feel somewhat overrated. Nonetheless, it's a step towards increasing Romanian visibility in global media.

As far as crime series go this one checks all the boxes. Crime lord. Corruption everywhere. Not knowing who to trust. Undercover police. People getting caught up in the mess. Money. Drugs.

The mix is....... fine enough if you don't overthink it. Yes, entire thing was clearly done on a budget. Yes, stuff is resolved via handwavium. Yes, acting can be a bit clunky at times.

It's not a particularly bad series if you are looking for non-English speaking shows, it's just not that great in the end.

It's worth a watch if you have time to kill and nothing better lined up but you'll likely forget it once it's done.