Watch The Chestnut Man

The Chestnut Man is a gripping crime thriller series premiered on Netflix in 2021. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Søren Sveistrup, the creator of the popular Danish crime drama, The Killing. The Chestnut Man features six episodes, each of approximately an hour in length.

The story takes place in Copenhagen and revolves around a gruesome murder case. A young woman, a mother of two, is found brutally murdered in a playground with her hands cut off and replaced by a pair of chestnuts. It is a gruesome and symbolic crime that triggers an intense investigation led by Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic), a young and ambitious detective and her new partner, Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), a burnt-out investigator who recently transferred from Europol.

The investigation quickly uncovers connections to a cold case from Thulin's past and leads the detectives to suspect that there might be a serial killer on the loose who is targeting young mothers. As the case progresses, the detectives uncover more and more clues pointing them towards a ruthless killer, who sends cryptic messages in the form of chestnut men.

The Chestnut Man is a multi-layered show with a strong plot and complex characters. The story is full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The show explores themes of morality, justice, and revenge, which makes it emotionally wrenching and challenging.

The cinematography of the series is breathtaking, with the use of the camera allowing us to experience the mystery with the detectives. The noir aesthetic of the show, coupled with the eerie soundtrack, enhances the suspense and grim tone of the narrative.

The lead characters are well-developed and engaging, and the actors' performances are outstanding, drawing the audience into their lives. Naia Thulin is a dedicated and passionate detective, who has to juggle her work and personal life while dealing with the profound trauma of a past tragedy. Mark Hess, on the other hand, is struggling to cope with a deteriorating personal life and a reputation for sleeping with witnesses. They are two very different characters and their polar opposite personalities make them an excellent team.

The Chestnut Man portrays the police as both heroes and victims, illustrating the conflicts within the force and their personal struggles. The show also tackles issues such as sexism within the police and the treatment of women in society, which adds a layer of social commentary to the already rich narrative.

Overall, The Chestnut Man is a must-watch for fans of the Scandinoir genre. The show combines the perfect blend of suspense, drama, gore, and character development. The series also offers profound insights into the psychology of the killer and his motivations, which is refreshing in a genre that often prioritizes shock value over character exploration.

In conclusion, The Chestnut Man is a haunting and captivating show that demands your attention. It is a masterful adaptation of a novel, which cleverly weaves together a complex plot and complex characters to create a crime drama that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The show is a credit to the Scandinoir genre and sets a high bar for crime dramas in general.

The Chestnut Man is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 29, 2021 and on Netflix