O Assassino de Valhalla

This Icelandic crime drama opens with two apparently unrelated murders; the way the bodies were mutilated suggests a single killer. A police woman named Kata is put on the case. An expert, Arnar, is flown in from Norway; he is an Icelandic native who left Iceland some time ago. Investigation into the victims' pasts leads to the Valhalla Boys' Home; a long-closed institute for troubled boys in a remote part of the country. Here another body is found. It becomes obvious that somebody is targeting those who worked at Valhalla; who and why will take some investigation though... an investigation that will unearth old secrets that some in power would rather remain secret.

This might not be the fastest moving series but it is gripping with a good number of twists and turns leading to an exciting conclusion. This conclusion provides a real sense of danger for our two protagonists. From start to finish there is a great atmosphere with snow covered settings and a 'cold look' even when indoors. The lead characters are interesting; each has their own problems, which some might consider a little cliché, but that didn't bother me. The cast is solid; most obviously Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir, who plays Kata; and Björn Thors, as Arnar. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Nordic crime dramas.

These comments are based on watching the series in Icelandic with English subtitles.

Well-realized homicide show from Iceland. The austere scenery is breathtaking and the cinematography topnotch (although far too dark indoors, sometimes obscuring important clues) and the writing brisk and plot-driven. Like other dramas from Iceland, some of actions of the characters (phones conveniently left in cars, cops inexplicably turning their backs in dangerous situations etc.), are questionable and a bit lazy. Perhaps Icelanders are a bit more naive than the rest of us? The acting is wonderful and sincere, rarely overdoing it. Despite these minor flaws, I binged the series and was fully engaged from beginning to end. Looking forward to another season.

The murder mystery is fairly typical, the twists expectable but ok-ish, the acting good, although the effort by Nordic shows to say 'hey, we have problems too' is a bit obvious. Enjoyable enough to watch, but nothing special.

Some of the Reviews Here: 1. Boring: Its NOT... In Fact I found it way more enjoyable than Trapped. 2. Sloppy Police Work: Yes there is some.. But who wants a perfect show?? 3. Poor Sub Titles/Dubbing: Well, guys if you cant fathom watching foreign shows in foreign languages, dont bother.. Theres a reason why there are a dozen options in Language and Subtitles. Always go ahead with original language and your preferred subtitle. You will find it more authentic. Nordic Noirs are slow paced, you wont miss a beat reading subtitles. You will probably learn a few words as well. Lastly.. This show had me binge watch. After 2 episodes, I started disliking characters but story is way too compelling. And after episode 6, it becomes more interesting. This show could have been a master piece like Trapped(season-1), if it had more dynamic lead roles.. But I guess the actors do an OK Job. Solid Mystery.. Solid Screen Play.. Go watch it... The only thing thats Cliche here is, a Police KID.. Thats never in the right place.. Never.. Trapped, Safe, Bridge, Tin Star, Deadwind, La Mante, Bosch, The Break, YOu will always find a broken Police Family with an unlikable Kid/Teen

The Valhalla Murders

This was a total treat from start to finish with tight acting and an even tighter script. Two elements that needed strengthening to get a 10/10, I first wanted more banter between the cops to prevent it becoming mechanical and creating more character. They tried with the technical nerd and the country cop but it was wasn't quite there. Secondly the forensics needed to drive the investigation along with the research, at times here the forensics followed the events by way of confirmation.

Lastly we didn't get a full blown explanation of motive by the killer, why these boys, why this home.

Either way I loved this drama and the two main leads were fabulous.