The Enduring Appeal of Scandinavian Crime Thrillers
Naia Thulin and Mark Hess are the central figures in the hit series Octobre (The Chestnut Man). This recent Scandinavian success climbed straight into Netflix’s top rankings within 24 hours of its second season being released, drawing inspiration from a novel. It’s frequently cited as one of the best crime thrillers out there, making fans hungry for similar shows.
For those who enjoy these atmospheric mysteries, it’s worth noting that the creator of Octobre also made the acclaimed series The Killing (Forbrydelsen). While The Killing isn’t currently available on Netflix, don’t worry—there’s another standout option, especially if you appreciate tense, character-driven stories and complex murder cases. This series isn’t exactly new—it first aired in 2018—but it still holds up today with its suspense and intricate storytelling. Which show are we talking about?
Deadwind: The Finnish Gem Still Earning Millions of Views
Let’s head to Finland and turn back the clock a few years. That’s where you’ll find Deadwind on Netflix. Released in 2018, it was a huge hit in Finland and could easily be just as compelling for viewers worldwide. If you prefer watching series dubbed, it’s available in French (and other major languages) on Netflix.
Crime thrillers have long fascinated audiences, and Deadwind continues to prove its staying power. According to FlixPatrol, as of last year, the series had accumulated 12.7 million hours viewed, despite its third season airing back in 2021—already five years ago. That popularity suggests new audiences keep discovering the show, and longtime fans are happy to binge-watch it again.
Because it’s from a few years back, Deadwind offers more episodes per season than many newer series: 12 episodes in season one, and eight episodes each in seasons two and three. If you enjoyed Octobre, you’ll likely appreciate Deadwind as well, since it’s reportedly inspired by The Killing, the hit from the same creator behind Octobre.
Plot: Gritty Investigations and Unforgettable Characters (No Spoilers!)
Here’s the official summary for Season 1, without giving away any crucial surprises:
As Sofia Karppi, a thirty-something detective, tries to recover from her husband’s death, the discovery of a young woman’s body at a construction site sets off events that once again threaten her life.
For those curious about later seasons:
- Season 2, episode 1: This episode centers on the discovery of a frozen Estonian man's body in a Helsinki cold-storage facility, with another victim found hanged under a bridge in Tallinn. Detective Sofia Karppi, joined by Nurmi after his return from Italy, comes across drug packets in one victim’s caravan. Their superior, Tapio Koskimäki—who is celebrating a police promotion—is suddenly murdered at home along with his daughter, Kerttu.
- Season 3, episode 1: Detectives Sofia Karppi and Sakari Nurmi launch a new case after a string of especially violent murders. All the victims have been marked with a strange symbol. As the investigation moves forward, old secrets from both detectives’ pasts start to emerge.
Critical Acclaim and Scandinavian Atmosphere
Fans on Allociné, a major French review site, have praised Deadwind for its chilling atmosphere and nuanced characters. One reviewer writes:
An excellent series: perfectly controlled, with a cold atmosphere, but beneath the surface there’s real humanity and depth. The interplay between the cases and the challenging personal stories of the detective duo tackles issues like grief, parenthood, education, and drugs in Finnish society.
Another adds:
Stunning visuals, fascinating relationships between the two detectives, and cases that really stand up. I was told The Killing was a masterpiece, but I found it dull. Deadwind is much more engaging. Looking forward to season 3. Karppi, I love you.
About the Writer
My passion for style and culture started at age seven, and ever since, I’ve tracked the trends that shape our world. With a background in both sociology and fashion communication, I bring together my interests in writing for lifestyle media—especially about fashion, shopping tips, and easy-to-adopt trends in beauty and home design. I also love uncovering overlooked gems in TV, film, and literature—especially Nordic thrillers—plus insights into psychology, relationships, travel, and health. Whether it’s highlighting the best hidden villages or working pop culture references into my stories, my aim is to keep you up-to-date and inspired, all while being mindful of your budget and everyday needs.
