Kalifat

At times, this was one of the most stressful TV shows I can remember watching. The sheer horror of the situation some of these characters find themselves in, coupled with how realistic their predicaments are, makes for some genuinely stomach-churning moments of suspense.

Caliphate features some incredible lead performances from Gizem Erdogan, Aliette Opheim and Amed Bozan. The character development of Husam is incredibly astute and Bozan's ability to portray the different facets of his subjects personality is mightily impressive. Drama shows have a tendency to compartmentalise major characters into good, bad and ugly but Husam is at once frightening, likeable and pitiful.

Some of the plot development is a little predictable and the final episode feels quite rushed. I was unconvinced by the way in which the Russian boys and Swedish girls were so easily manipulated and felt their function in the story was a little too convenient. Nevertheless, this is one of the most powerful shows I have seen in some time and another example of the high quality of Scandinavian TV and cinema.

Great watch. The series talks about the issue of youth radicalization, in this case by ISIS, in Europe which is often swept under the rug out of fear of being called "bigot".

The series highlights how the propaganda is used on the impressionable, emotional and sensitive minds of the high-school and college youngsters and make them believe things that don't exist. While some realize their mistake, when it is often late, others just never realize it.

The execution is quite good. Great watch!

Best IS terrorist thriller I ever saw. The script is great. So many twists which I did not see coming. Lies and betrayals of the islamists are unmasking. Plausible plot. Good actors. Good location scouting. Excellent! I am German and have to congratulate Sweden for eight great episodes. It is not a typical Swedish topic, like the Swedish crime story. Usually countries are fixed to sterotype stories - Italy/Mafia, Germany/Nazi/Stasi, UK/History/Rural mysteries etc. Great work from The Bridge team.

This production is one of the best thriller/drama series I've seen from Sweden.

Perfect pace, story, cutting and script.

The only negative I can say is that they could do a better job with the soundtrack.

It can easily be watched by an international audience and I'm really surprised about the quality that is up there with much larger Hollywood productions.

Kudos to everyone who participated in Kalifat.

An amazing series where the subject, screenplay, plots and acting are so intense, gripping and well-done that they curl around your chest and throat, making you choke and gasping for air...

• (++) Outstanding charismatic play and acting by all the cast, especially by Pervin (best of all), Husam, Sulle, Kerima and Lisha. All of them did a memorable job with amazing acting and gripping facial expressions. Also, the sisters' parents acted so naturally that they deserve real recognition as well.
• (+) Superb and deep screenplay with enormous twists and turns, depicted near perfectly.
• (+) Unbelievable final episode with jaw-dropping events and happenings.

A contemporary matter amazingly brought to the screen and a huge effort put into it by the creative team of writers and producers.

Definitely deserves at least a season 2 with around 10-12 episodes.