In the opening scene of this Swedish crime series, autistic pre-teen Stina (Esmeralda Struwe) wanders from her hotel room (her parents are attending a wedding below) and becomes a witness to murder. Instead of killing this helpless bystander, the killer saves her life, but keeps tabs on her after he discovers that she is the daughter of psychologist and former FBI profiler Inger Johanne Vik (Melinda Kinnaman), a consultant investigating the murders that he is committing. Based on the novels of Finnish crime author Anne Holt, this is prime Scandinavian noir, a dark drama about a brutal conspiracy tied up in hate crimes against gay and lesbian individuals and set in the cold of winter, complicated by a child in peril who is unable to communicate her situation or her anxieties. Henrik Norlén costars as the lead investigator who teams up with Inger professionally and personally. The story has an international reach—all the way to a Texas-based reactionary religious sect and the FBI, although American audiences may find fault with the unconvincing Texas drawls. But otherwise the series is beautifully shot and well-acted and should appeal to fans of Scandinavian noir and edgy crime dramas. Presenting all eight episodes from the 2015 first season, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Modus: Season 1
Kino Lorber, 2 discs, 360 min., in Swedish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 Volume 33, Issue 6
Modus: Season 1
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