Watch Ultraviolet (2017)

Ultraviolet is a Polish crime drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2017. The series follows a woman named Ola Serafin (played by Marta Nieradkiewicz) who starts a detective agency called Ultraviolet after her husband's death. She is joined by a group of internet misfits who help her solve crimes using unconventional methods.

The team includes a hacker named Sebastian (played by Viet Anh Do), a conspiracy theorist named Kasia (played by Paulina Chapko), a barista named Michał (played by Sebastian Fabijański), and a former police officer named Zosia (played by Magdalena Czerwińska). Together, they investigate crimes using open-source information, social media, and their own expertise.

The series begins with Ola investigating the death of a young woman named Julia. Julia's death is initially ruled a suicide, but Ola believes there is something more sinister at play. With the help of her team, Ola uncovers a web of corruption and deception that leads to the highest levels of government.

Throughout the series, the team investigates a variety of crimes, including a contract killing, a missing person, and a cyberstalking case. They also deal with personal issues, such as Ola's struggle to come to terms with her husband's death and Sebastian's quest to uncover the truth about his own past.

One of the strengths of Ultraviolet is its focus on the human side of crime. The series explores the impact of crime on victims and their families, as well as on the people who investigate it. Ola and her team are not infallible; they make mistakes and face challenges, both professionally and personally.

Another strength of the series is its use of technology. Unlike many other crime dramas, Ultraviolet shows how technology can be used to aid investigations. The team uses tools like facial recognition software, GPS tracking, and social media to gather information and solve cases. However, the series also highlights the limitations of technology and the importance of human intuition and emotion in solving crimes.

The acting in Ultraviolet is strong across the board. Marta Nieradkiewicz delivers a nuanced performance as Ola, capturing both her strength and vulnerability. Viet Anh Do brings depth to the character of Sebastian, who could easily have been reduced to a one-dimensional hacker stereotype. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Bartlomiej Topa as Commissioner Anna Nowak, who is both a foil and an ally to Ola and her team.

Overall, Ultraviolet is a compelling, character-driven crime drama that explores the intersection of technology and human emotion. The series blends suspense, drama, and humor, creating a unique tone that sets it apart from other crime dramas. While the show has some flaws, particularly in terms of plot holes and pacing, it is well worth a watch for fans of the genre.