Watch Bordertown

Bordertown is a Finnish crime-drama series that first premiered on Netflix in 2016. The series follows Detective Inspector Kari Sorjonen (Ville Virtanen) as he moves from Helsinki to a small town near the border between Finland and Russia. The move is an attempt to provide a better life for his family and to give himself a break from the chaos and trauma that he had to face while working on the most high-profile and gruesome cases in the Finnish capital. However, his hopes of finding peace and quiet soon get shattered as he finds himself embroiled in a series of mysterious and disturbing crimes in this picturesque yet complicated town.

Throughout the three seasons of the show, viewers are introduced to a cast of intriguing and diverse characters who all have their secrets and agendas. Sorjonen's family, for instance, includes his supportive and understanding wife Pauliina (Matleena Kuusniemi) and their teenage daughter Janina (Olivia Ainali), who is struggling with mental health issues. The family dynamics and conflicts are a prominent and poignant part of the show as they deal with Sorjonen's obsessive and compulsive personality, which often puts him in danger and isolates him from his loved ones.

The crimes that Sorjonen investigates are often unique and unsettling, with the borderland context adding to their complexity and significance. The show's creators have taken great care to depict the tensions, politics, and cultural clashes that exist between Finland and its powerful, sometimes aggressive neighbor Russia. The show also tackles social and environmental issues such as human trafficking, drug abuse, LGBTQ rights, and the impact of globalization on small towns.

Bordertown's visuals and atmosphere add to its allure and suspense. The cinematography and production design are gritty, dark, and atmospheric, making the town of Lappeenranta feel like a character in itself. The music and sound design are also excellent, with haunting themes and sound effects that heighten the tension and mystery of the crimes.

The show's performances are a standout feature, with Ville Virtanen delivering an outstanding portrayal of Sorjonen's complex and nuanced character. Virtanen's performance balances Sorjonen's cold, rational, and awkward persona with moments of vulnerability, empathy, and humor, making him a relatable and compelling lead. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Matleena Kuusniemi, Anu Sinisalo, and Lenita Susi, among others.

Bordertown is not just a typical crime drama, but a unique and multi-layered show that explores complex themes and issues through the lens of the Finnish society and its relationship with its surroundings. The show's creators have been praised for their attention to detail and authenticity, as well as their willingness to take risks and challenge the conventions of the genre. The show's popularity and critical acclaim have led to a fourth season renewal, which promises to deliver more twists, turns, and emotional punch.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an atmospheric and intelligent crime drama that's not afraid to delve into social and political issues, Bordertown is a must-watch. With its well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, and excellent performances, it's a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Bordertown is a series that ran for 3 seasons (31 episodes) between October 16, 2016 and on Netflix