The evaluation of this mini-series depends on the point of view of it. If you think of him as a detective, the detective is pretty weak. The plot strictly follows the canons of the genre established (and deconstructed!) by Agatha Christie. I can’t explain it, it will be spoilers. But as Detective River is banal.
If you consider “River” a drama or a psychological thriller, then this is a completely different matter! There are many colorful characters, a hero with unusual psychological problems, side storylines, social problems - in a word, food for thought abounds. The series deals with the themes of migrants, and the mores of the mafia, and important issues of psychology - overcoming loss, fighting isolation and loneliness. The story is leisurely, sometimes protracted, without action, but animated by the “glitches” of the main character.
As a result, we get a rather curious story about a man who resists evil outside and inside his personality. Sometimes boring, but often atmospheric and emotionally saturated. The main thing in this story is people, if you do not forget about it, it is very interesting to watch. It is worth praising the actors whose efforts created the dramatic intensity of the series - especially the lead actor Stellan Skarsgård, Nicolas Walker, who played the "ghost" of his murdered partner Stevie, as well as Eddie Marsan, who acted as River's personal demon - the spirit of maniac Thomas Cream.
Summary: A good criminal psychological drama in half with a mediocre detective. For lovers of neonoir and the dark secrets of the human soul - a very suitable thing.
8 out of 10
Original