Sun Jan 04 12:50:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

“Land of Sin,” a new Swedish Nordic noir series on Netflix, follows police investigator Dani as she returns to her troubled past in a small Scanian farm town to solve the disappearance of her former foster son. Partnered with a new trainee, she battles the hostility of the townspeople and her own demons while uncovering a murder case. While the series delivers the genre’s typical grim atmosphere, complex plot, and flawed protagonists, it ultimately offers little new or surprising to fans familiar with Scandi crime shows or similar dramas like “Mare of Easttown.” The show’s overstuffed plot and unrelentingly dark tone make it a less compelling choice compared to other, more innovative entries in the genre. The standout performance comes from Peter Gantman as the family patriarch, Elis.

News Article:

Netflix’s “Land of Sin” Offers Familiar Darkness, But Little Innovation, to Nordic Noir Fans

LOS ANGELES, CA – Netflix’s latest foray into the popular Nordic noir genre, “Land of Sin” (Synden), delivers the expected dose of bleak landscapes, troubled characters, and complex mysteries, but critics are questioning whether it brings anything new to the table.

The five-part series, from creator Peter Grönlund, centers on police investigator Dani (Krista Kosonen), who returns to her hometown in the Scanian countryside to investigate the disappearance of her former foster son. Paired with trainee Malik (Mohammed Nour Oklah), Dani faces the suspicion of the community and the ghosts of her past as the missing person case quickly escalates into a murder investigation.

While the series delivers the genre’s signature elements, including a dark, brooding protagonist and a morally ambiguous small town, reviews suggest that “Land of Sin” treads well-worn territory. As RogerEbert.com’s Clint Worthington puts it, “there’s not much in ‘Land of Sin’ that’s going to surprise you,” particularly for viewers familiar with Scandi crime shows like “The Åre Murders” or even domestic dramas like “Mare of Easttown.”

Kosonen delivers a solid performance as the world-weary Dani, but the script offers her little beyond cynicism and anguish. Peter Gantman shines as family patriarch Elis, a standout performance amidst the oppressive atmosphere.

While the series is easily digestible in about three and a half hours, the complex story might benefit from more time and pace to unpack.

Ultimately, “Land of Sin” may satisfy those seeking a familiar dose of Nordic noir darkness, but viewers looking for innovation may find themselves underwhelmed.

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