Watch Idiomatic

Idiomatic is a refreshing romantic comedy-drama series that celebrates the ups and downs of modern relationships, splashed with a side of Finnish finesse. The show premiered in 2018 on Sundance Now and spans over two voyages, garnering considerable appreciation from global audiences.

Produced and presented by Melli Maikkula and Kirsikka Saari, the series sparkles with its Finnish charm. Set and filmed in the heartland of Helsinki, Finland, the show makes authentic use of the multifaceted landscape and urban beauty the country is known for. It paints a vivid portrayal of Finnish people's lives, their habits, conversations, and culture, adding an alluring touch of Scandinavia to the viewers' screens.

The plot centralizes on the life of an urban, educated, and loving couple - Micke and Sofia. Micke is a journalist for a culture magazine, and Sofia is a consultant for a PR firm. The couple, who are in their early 30s, live a comfortable and satisfying life together in the trendy Punavuori district of Helsinki. However, comedic, sometimes dramatic, and unexpected situations challenge their harmonious cohabitation, often testing their relationship, beliefs, and love for each other. The couple navigates through this labyrinth of life, wrestling with societal norms, personal insecurities, the burden of responsibilities, and various interpersonal complexities.

Anna Paavilainen and Lauri Tilkanen, who play Sofia and Micke, respectively, are outstanding in their roles, bringing to life the unique blend of traits of their characters with conviction. Their chemistry on-screen is dynamic and fluid, making the hurdles in their relationship all the more believable and relatable. The rest of the cast, including Kari Ketonen, Kaija Pakarinen, and Lotta Tejle, offer stellar performances, creating an absorbing ensemble that weaves together the intricacies of contemporary Finnish life.

Idiomatic’s episode narratives are robust, featuring a spectrum of subjects. Each episode is a standalone story yet propels the saga of Micke and Sofia while tracing their relationship’s highs and lows. The narrative efficiently balances the explorations of professional lives, personal endeavors, and the protagonists' examination of their relationship itself. The result is a realistic, engaging picture of modern, urban life resonating well with audiences who appreciate stories reflecting the rawness and unpredictability of reality.

Moreover, this unique series manages to strike a note of universality amidst its flavorful injection of Finnish idiosyncrasies. The day-to-day problems, relationship issues, the struggle between career pursuits, and commitments present a universally relatable picture. It adds a broad appeal to the otherwise culturally rich narrative, making the series accessible and delightful to viewers globally.

The humor in Idiomatic is not the slapstick comedy you'd often find in sitcoms. It is subtle, situational, and often infused with intelligent irony. Sometimes it sneaks upon the audience, and sometimes it comes with Micke and Sofia's witty one-liners, making the audience chuckle about the light-hearted representation of the intricate webs woven by life and love.

An observation of society, the show skilfully teases out the contradiction between the private and the public, the millennials' internal and external worlds. What differentiates it from other sitcoms is its bold decision to lean heavily on subtlety mixed with dry humor while articulating the dialogue. This choice makes Idiomatic a noteworthy addition to the genre, enhancing storylines' depth while maintaining the comedic relief.

Visually, Idiomatic is a treat and mirrors the beautiful aesthetic that Nordic shows are known for. Cool color tones predominate most scenes, contributing to the serene and elegant aura the series emits. The production design and photography create fantastic, breathtaking visuals that make the series an appealing watch.

In conclusion, Idiomatic is beautifully packaged with romantic comedy, drama, and slice-of-life elements that hit all the right chords. Its charm lies in its very essence –it's a show about life where life continues to happen. It revels in the absurdities, the trivialities, and the grand theatrics of everyday existence from the Finnish lens. If you're in search of a relatable, genuinely human drama bursting with humor, Idiomatic will prove an exciting and rewarding watch.

Idiomatic is a series that ran for 2 seasons (19 episodes) between March 8, 2018 and on Sundance Now