Nordic storytelling and pace. So if you enjoy other Nordic drama, you'll enjoy this one.
40 Reviews
Very Nordic
frodejansson29 November 2019
More contrivance than substance
paul2001sw-128 April 2020
The idea of a story where a man impersonates his identical twin sounds intriguing; unfortunately, 'Twin' doesn't quite manage to pull it off. It relies, as many dramas seem to do, on characters acting irrationally after being involved in events where they fear they might be liable to criminal prosecution. There's just no real meat to the story; we see a fraud of convenience, designed to be conducted only in the short term, and in the full knowledge of the one character who might otherwise be most affected by it. There's a back story - the difficult prior relationship of the two brothers - but we never really get to the bottom of that either. There are some good ideas, notably the view the protagonist gets of his own real life from an outside perspective; but overall the setup is just too contrived. The north Norwegian scenery at least provides a stunning backdrop to the tale.
Enjoyable but ruined by several Reviews
capdjq8 May 2020
An enjoyable and, for me, entertaining Nordic Drama.
Really wish people wouldn't give away the ending in their Reviews such a "Mundane Ending" "lousy Conclusion". etc
The ending is not given away but the heading is enough to ruin it.
John W
Good basic story-line ruined by plot-holes and missed opportunities.
msgpat23 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Identical twins do not have identical fingerprints, teeth, or signatures; regarding the latter, the young cop Frank watches pensively as fake Adam signs for something. I was expecting him to dig out different signatures and compare them - but nothing. When fake Adam is confronted by Trond, Adam's secret lover, Trond should have known straight away that Erik was impersonating Adam. No mention whatsoever from Trond regarding their affair - why not? Trond planting a kiss on fake Adam's lips would have prompted a shocked reaction from 'Adam' - now THAT would have set the cat amongst the pigeons - again, nothing. As for the ending, well, a bit like a unicorn - it didn't exist.
Fantastic show built on a throwaway premise. Brilliant
stairways26 April 2020
The idea that one twin might take the place of the other, almost without anyone noticing, is one of the oldest tropes in storytelling. It's in almost every ancient culture and, like the rivalry of the Biblical Cain and Abel, it's been filmed many times in many settings but with very mixed results.
Seldom has a more gutsy, subtle, nuanced and creative version been produced for screen than this. Add terrific, moving performances, extraordinary, breathtaking landscapes, excellent direction, photography and directorial pacing, and you have perhaps the very best example of so-called Nordic Noir since The Killing set the bar so high that few have come even close in the past decade or so.
Twin is a show that should not be missed. Ignore the 2-star reviews elsewhere here (particularly when the writers have completely missed important and clearly signalled details like the fact that the youngest child is adopted and not, as suggested, evidence of the mother 'playing away from home'!) Seriously? To review a show (especially one as creative as this), one ought at least to do it the honour of paying attention all the way through ;).
Tastes vary, and a relatively slow moving, in-depth exploration of relationships (rather than a plot that heaps killings upon killings) might not be to everyone's taste. But if you're in the market of a surprisingly grown-up piece of entertainment, drawn out of an almost threadbare premise, here's a no-brainier for you.
This is a first-rate piece of TV that makes so much else look like the muck it really is. Congrats to all involved. It seems unlikely there'll be a second season for quite a while yet. I'll have to console myself by watching season one again in a couple of weeks!
Seldom has a more gutsy, subtle, nuanced and creative version been produced for screen than this. Add terrific, moving performances, extraordinary, breathtaking landscapes, excellent direction, photography and directorial pacing, and you have perhaps the very best example of so-called Nordic Noir since The Killing set the bar so high that few have come even close in the past decade or so.
Twin is a show that should not be missed. Ignore the 2-star reviews elsewhere here (particularly when the writers have completely missed important and clearly signalled details like the fact that the youngest child is adopted and not, as suggested, evidence of the mother 'playing away from home'!) Seriously? To review a show (especially one as creative as this), one ought at least to do it the honour of paying attention all the way through ;).
Tastes vary, and a relatively slow moving, in-depth exploration of relationships (rather than a plot that heaps killings upon killings) might not be to everyone's taste. But if you're in the market of a surprisingly grown-up piece of entertainment, drawn out of an almost threadbare premise, here's a no-brainier for you.
This is a first-rate piece of TV that makes so much else look like the muck it really is. Congrats to all involved. It seems unlikely there'll be a second season for quite a while yet. I'll have to console myself by watching season one again in a couple of weeks!
Really nice one
leonidasstathopoulos20 June 2020
Compelling story and beautiful nordic landscapes
isladia4 January 2020
SCANDI ALWAYS HAS GREAT STORYLINES
linda-plant24 April 2020
Nordic series at its best
solindalovstedt22 December 2019
Full of promise but half-baked
nmurn20 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This show has all the makings and potential of a gripping Nordic thriller but unfortunately is let down by half-baked character development, various plot holes and a lame ending. Starting with some of the characters, it's unfathomable that no one really questions or is immediately suspicious the true identity of Adam (i.e. Erik) - are we really supposed to believe that his own kids, colleagues, father in law and secret lover aren't weirded out by his sudden, complete change of personality and what one can only assume are different mannerisms and character traits to his brother? The daughter Karin is the only one to challenge this - even gaining credible proof that he's not who he says he is - yet ends up backtracking after her mum convinces her she's "confused". The plot would have been a LOT stronger and more credible had she stuck to her conviction and joined forces with the cop Frank to expose the real Erik. As for the plot holes, I can't get my head around the fact the post-mortem revealed bruising around the real Adam's neck, yet this is completely overlooked by the two cops who interview him - despite having two witnesses attest to seeing Erik at the hotel on the night in question. Also, what about dental records and finger prints? I assume this is a standard identity check requirement for all post-mortems, which would immediately expose that the dead brother is in fact Adam. Above all, my biggest frustration with this series is the cop Frank. After going all tough cop in the last few episodes, and giving a very clear indication in the last episode that he'd cracked the mystery of the identity swap (at his dead wife's grave), there is high expectation that he will confront Erik and expose him at the funeral. Yet this doesn't happen. Instead he sits sheepishly in the church and looks on, and that's the last we see of him. A very weak anti-climax to what could have been a highly dramatic and exciting ending - but instead dissolves into a damp squib.
Unexpectedly good!
ericfoggitt-6741625 June 2020
This is one of those series that lacks a great publicity machine and hype, but which nonetheless delivers.
The acting is mostly excellent: Kristofer Hivju is brilliant as Adam and Eric; I thought that Rebekka Nystabakk had aan uncertain start, but grew into the role.
The plot is somewhat unlikely, but once you buy into it, you realise that they did what seemed to be the best way out and the story shows us - rather compellingly - what that does to the characters and to the children.
The scenery is spectacular and adds a real power to the story: I wonder how much the local Tourist Board subsidised the production...
Anyway, well worth a watch.
Excellent Scandi drama in beautiful surrounds
robertemerald4 May 2020
The problem with crime related drama these days is that as soon as one becomes hooked into a fascinating crime one discovers you must also subscribe to the intense personal dramas of the detectives. Really you are getting two dramas in one. Then there are shows like Missing (2014) and Twin, where the crime is really only the catalyst to the personal drama. To me, this is more believable than current all out catch-a-killer dramas. Twin is easily one of the best new shows of crime inspired personal drama tv shows. The story is full of edge and tense situations, with the two leads proving their competence. This is a brilliantly cast drama. The children are also interesting, a rebellious teen and an adopted toddler. Imagine a poor bachelor thrown into that! This show is a whole new level of keeping secrets. Indeed, if I have a criticism is that there are too many secrets. Set in idyllic fjords, with interesting indie songs here and there, and quite a few action sequences, not least to mention a dedicated surfing culture in what must be the coldest surf spot on the planet, Twin has everything you need for an all night binge.
Loved it.
daniellekendall8 May 2020
Excellent, different, and funny
larrykirk9 April 2020
Atmospheric drama, but one massive flaw....
stevewilkinson091019 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
A good, but overlong Nordic thriller with an interesting plot. The acting, music and cinematography are fine but it is let down by an enormous plot hole;
Nobody challenges the identity of the brother until the end of episode 6 when the daughter finally catches her "dad" out with questions about a previous holiday.
Are we really expected to believe that the father-in-law, the children, the work colleagues and the lovers of the twin brothers cannot tell them apart? Even the most identical twins would be different in terms of teeth, moles, voices, mannerisms and most importantly, knowledge.
The new"dad" knows nothing of the work he is supposed to do, he doesn't know his friends' names, where his son's school is... he can't even start his own car and his father-in-law is watching him!!
No. Totally ridiculous. He would have been rumbled in the first five minutes if any one of the characters had been just 1% more curious, particularly the young cop whose deduction skills are practically zero!
Unlikely but enjoyable Norwegian drama
Tweekums29 April 2020
Erik and Adam are identical twins living in the north of Norway; they have become somewhat estranged as Adam, who works and is married with two children, sees Erik, who lives in a beat-up camper van and spends his time surfing, as a bit of a wastrel. One day Erik crashes his camper into the fjord and seeks financial help from Adam... this leads to a fight which ends when Adam's wife, Ingrid, hits him with a plank. They think he is dead so take the body away on a boat; it is lost in a storm... when it is found the police think it must be Erik. Now Erik and Ingrid try to pretend that he is Adam. Will he be able to convince people that knew him well that he is really his brother?
It must be said this series does require one to suspend ones disbelief somewhat; Erik and Adam may both be played by the excellent Kristofer Hivju but it is hard to believe that nobody would suspect they are talking to the other twin; even his daughter and close friends. That said if you can get past that the series is a lot of fun. There are moments of dark comedy and good dramatic tension. The cast does a fine job and the spectacular scenery certainly adds to the enjoyment of the show.
These comments are based on watching the series in Norwegian with English subtitles.
It must be said this series does require one to suspend ones disbelief somewhat; Erik and Adam may both be played by the excellent Kristofer Hivju but it is hard to believe that nobody would suspect they are talking to the other twin; even his daughter and close friends. That said if you can get past that the series is a lot of fun. There are moments of dark comedy and good dramatic tension. The cast does a fine job and the spectacular scenery certainly adds to the enjoyment of the show.
These comments are based on watching the series in Norwegian with English subtitles.
Great series
bubbles_02104311 April 2020
It's a really stupid storyline - totally unbelievable
laura_macleod24 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The first episode brings you in to an unusual Nordic world which is dramatic and remote. The main protagonist and his twin, obviously played by the same person - have an intriguing back story juxtposed with interesting characters....all looks good. Then there is a really life changing event which the rest of the story has to hang on...until the end. It just does not work or sustain itself. Remember this is a very small Nordic community where everyone knows everyone. This event is going to totally stand out and be known for miles around. What happens is ridiculous...unbelievable and then with poor acting by the female protagonist - no, no, no. Boring and stupid. It takes a very long time to get to scenes that explain nothing about why the wife obviously hated her husband.......the children are not going to recognise their father immediately ? C'mon, it is poor TV
Brave and complex
pigsmiceandmen31 August 2020
Two words that seem hard to describe a lot of tv series but this is a real gem. Just when you think you know where it's going it twists and turns. Tons of OMG moments and some incredible scenery.Top marks to all involved and I do so hope you commission a season 2.
Quite Poor
svader1 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Considering the calibre of the lead actor this was a.littlr below par.
The acting was good at times quite comedic but the whole story was not believable. As such I didnt care about the family or what happened to Erik next.
The wife showed hardly any emotion despite being the main reason her husband was dead.
Utter nonsense which could have been so much better.
The acting was good at times quite comedic but the whole story was not believable. As such I didnt care about the family or what happened to Erik next.
The wife showed hardly any emotion despite being the main reason her husband was dead.
Utter nonsense which could have been so much better.
Gritty and fast paced. If you love Skandi drama then it's worth giving Twin a lookin.
LongDistanceDuck14 May 2020
Firstly, you need to ignore the fact that the story does rely so heavily on the characters behaving irrationally in order not to get found out. But then in many gripping dramas if the characters behaved logically then the story would be over in one episode.
However this series is compelling drama. Kristofer Hivju is an excellent actor (Beck/Game of Thrones) and produces some very strong characters with his slightly sinister and studying expression. He is perfectly cast for the part of Adam/Erik. Gunnar Eiriksson, in his first TV role, plays Frank the young detective who appears to be the only policeman to take serious interest in the case of the twins and it's great to watch him pull the pieces of the jigsaw together as the series progresses.
Beautiful acting, intense story-line and breathtaking scenery.
However this series is compelling drama. Kristofer Hivju is an excellent actor (Beck/Game of Thrones) and produces some very strong characters with his slightly sinister and studying expression. He is perfectly cast for the part of Adam/Erik. Gunnar Eiriksson, in his first TV role, plays Frank the young detective who appears to be the only policeman to take serious interest in the case of the twins and it's great to watch him pull the pieces of the jigsaw together as the series progresses.
Beautiful acting, intense story-line and breathtaking scenery.
Great story
geoff-2240215 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed this. Plenty of reasons why the plot could have unravelled, but just enough justification for the odd behaviour was given along the way, to keep the story going.
Looking forward to season 2. It's really a love story that hasn't yet been resolved.
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