Der Schatten

While I liked the novel this series is based on I can't say the same about it's adaption. Almost all of the changes where the story derives from its original make me wonder if the writers even read the source material.

The whole time the series fails to build a believable protagonist and none of the surrounding characters behave like actual human beings.

I could not invest myself at all and wanted to just skip to the last episode as there was no real suspense at all and plotholes became difficult to ignore.

Most side storylines were very unnecessary, didn't really move the plot forward or were frankly just annoying (coworker).

The only positives are the camera work and the lead actress performance.

The whole thing focuses way too much on trying to be artsy and hip instead of (re)telling a meaningful story.

At the end I was left very disappointed by this and do not recommend it.

This is like an episode of your favourite soap where the characters much along with a poor script, knowing that the loyalty of the audience to the long story arc will keep them engaged even when very little is going on. Here the longer arc is so dumb (a Cassandra-like beggar tells the young beautiful lead that she will kill a man she's never heard of on a particular night) and so obviously intended to hold our attention that it just makes even one whole single episode more than a sane person can bear. Do we care what the denouement of such a silly 'plot' device can be? Well, no, quite frankly. Pretty female actress runs around in circles is only going to distract a small demographic for a limited time. Most people will just give up.

No pun intended - in case of ... losing your mind and all that. I have to admit, that I was surprised how real it felt at the beginning ... there is some heightened reality towards the end and there is stuff that ... well I'll let the show explain what certain things are about. But this is really well done (and acted).

Tight script, that really has you rooting for the main character and the issues that come up for her. Can this all be true? And how can it be? Well you'll find out the same way she does - well probably earlier! Depending on your observation skills and what you have read before watching - but that does not take anything away from the show.

Especially the ending - kudos as they say. When all is being revealed and untangled, you'll understand a few things - and may not be totally annoyed by our main character anymore (if you were at all of course) ... suspense is high with this one ... same with mystery! And overall (re)actions make sense - well you know what I mean.

Der Schatten unfolds as a meticulously crafted psychological thriller, distinguished by its atmospheric storytelling and compelling performances. Deleila Piasko embodies Norah Richter with nuanced restraint, capturing the character's internal turmoil as she navigates a series of unsettling events. The series delves into themes of guilt, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, set against the backdrop of Vienna's summer heat. Director Nina Vukovic's deliberate pacing and Pascal Schmit's cinematography enhance the narrative's tension, creating a sense of unease that permeates each episode. While based on Melanie Raabe's novel, the series stands as a distinct work, embracing the strengths of visual storytelling to explore its complex themes. The finale delivers a powerful conclusion that resonates without relying on conventional twists. Der Schatten is a testament to the potential of television as a medium for nuanced, character-driven narratives.

The book was awesome and it really get's pictures into mind, but the series seems like a bad copy of 'Der Pass' and a few other series recently filmed in Vienna and the Alps. The actors are awfully trying their best to get some life into their roleplay and the chatacters. By watching this, I don't think they are full life people, who really exist. I mean, there is no character you even try to like and even wish to get through their struggles. Main character syndrom kicks hard as well. I don't even know why Norah is wearing the same crop top (or lookalike) that she've worn, when she helped the 'drunken Lady' out of the Donau. Over and over again. Neige blanche is a thing, right? Besides a great well known soundtrack, i would not recommend to watch it (again).