Huset

"Prisoner" as this has been renamed for the showing in the UK, is a dark & difficult but thoroughly engrossing viewing. There's been plenty enough prison series over the years, but this one takes a different take, mostly concentrating on the dramas of the four key prison wardens rather than the prisoners themselves.

As this follows in the tradition of prision dramas, you know some of the obvious events that will occur, but the truth is that its emphasis on the prison wardens is an interesting departure that makes a big difference in what we encounter. From the mother with the drug addicted son, the new warden who finds his friend behind bars and so on. This all leads to a major collision, as sins & crimes are covered-up with more sins & crimes, and it all gets out of hand. Hanging over the heads of the wardens, is the threat of the possible closure of the prison with the the head warden under pressure from the inspectors.

This series is for me one of the best Scandi Noir series. Generally, I've not been as impressed as others with Scandi Noir but this is an exception. A dark, nasty and very intelligent bit of drama that makes you question morality in these worlds.

I don't want to give anything away, although some things are well sign-posted from early on but that doesn't devalue the series in any way.

I'd recommend this very highly to everyone.

Huset aka Prisoner is a powerful and dark Danish prison drama that focuses on the lives of four prison officers rather than the inmates. Over 6 tense episodes, the story builds slowly but surely, exploring how stress, relationships, and personal struggles affect people working in a tough environment. The prison itself is under threat of closure, adding more pressure to an already broken system.

Sofie Gråbøl stands out in her role as Miriam, a kind-hearted officer who is pushed to her limits. Many would know her from The Killing, and she brings the same intensity here. The whole cast gives excellent performances, above all, Youssef Wayne Hvidtfeldt as Sammi, the young officer dealing with emotional and moral conflict, and David Dencik as Henrik, a fatigued veteran who teaches Sammi the off-book secrets to maintaining a peaceful prison environment.

The show feels very real, with its dark lighting, tight spaces, and simple camera work that puts you right inside the prison. It's not just about crime or violence - it's about people trying to survive and stay true to themselves in a place that constantly tests their limits.

While some parts might feel a bit heavy or even stereotypical, the drama keeps you hooked. It also raises big questions about justice, morality, and what it means to protect others while staying human. The final episode brings all the tensions together in a powerful way.

If you enjoy serious dramas with emotional depth and strong performances, Huset is definitely worth watching.

The entire theme of this six-episode series was about choices and how to make a bad one every time. Betray your mate by having an affair? No problem. Work for drug dealers instead of going to the cops? Absolutely. Fall for a violent, dangerous prisoner while working as a guard? Bingo.

The welter of scenarios just wasn't real as were the decisions taken. Added to this was a portrayal of prison life where drug barons rule and the screws and governors let them that I doubt exists in reality in Denmark. It seemed more like an American prison with clearly racially-differentiated gangs.

I watched till the end but there was no real tension engendered. I wasn't dying to get to the next episode to find out what would happen next.

There is scope for a further season. I'll watch it if it happens but in the hopes that it's better than this one.

A dark tale of people going down, because conditions, because they are trapped in a fight they can't win, a game where everyone loose. Where there is only bad choices and you are doomed no matter what you do. Where humanity and good is always seen as weakens and punished.

There are small clues on how to escape, that the house must be torn down, but it seems a little bit out of context.

But does it work then. Well, yes and no. I have problems with credibility. I don't really think that everyone in that world act that stupid. I don't believe that Danish prisons are like that.

I have a problem with the scenography. It seems too ordinary, too much like every day. It does not set a scene in which the events seems likely. The characters seems to much like you and me, to act like they do. Maybe a slight touch of darkness and some background noise could do it.

It is probably a educated choice of the creators, to make the events happen in a recognizable world. But the distance, verfremdungseffekt, that could make me believe in the story and the characters are missing.

But still, it is a good series, it is worth watching. Well done.

Great storyline and even greater camera and editing work. The viewer gets a real sense of being locked up as a prison guard with a bunch of violent criminals. Who can you trust? Who will get jumped?

The claustrophobic feeling is so central, you even see it in the guard's private sphere. This is best represented by the guard Henrik who is living with his family in a damp caravan because his house is infested. Phenomenal symbolism!

I don't give much for the critics saying it's not a representation of real prison life. It's not a documentary - but a great fiction drama.

Season one's ending does however go a bit over the top. And things like the constant rain for dramatic effect does become a bit annoying.