Scandi-noir has become fairly ubiquitous across the English speaking world in recent years: we've seen dramas set in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, and now, 'Trom' visits perhaps the most remarkable Scandinavian landscape of them all, the Faroe Islands. And it's not a bad drama either, albeit not an especially radical one, with its story of political activism, a dodgy businesman, police politcs and strained family ties. What'a a bit odd, however, is that series one feels more like half a series: it ends, not only with a cliff-hanger, but all the wider whys still not cleaned up. A second series is merited; and will hopefully manage to complete the story.
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paul2001sw-131 July 2022
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bjornar-182-26035113 February 2022I like Danish crime, and this is made on the Feroe Island with nice nature scenery as a bonus. The episodes builds up tension pretty good, but unfortunately it lacks new inspiration. It has too many similarities with other crime series, and the revelation of who killed whom was dissapointing. But there might be a season two, so absolutely not bad, but it did not reach its full potential.
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catnapbc12 August 2022This is another take on having scenery as a main 'character' of the storytelling instead of the actual crimes and cases. The only outstanding acting came from the junior female officer who seemed to be the only one who did the actual investigating using her brain. The other characters were fairly unrealistic and disappointing in their roles here. The writing wasn't really up to the level of some other Scandinavian shows of the recent past. Most off-putting for me is the fact that the Faroe Islands still hunt whales. There was no indication this is a necessary activity for keeping people alive or employed, so I put it in the 'propaganda' category. The most interesting aspect was that many buildings have grass roofs and that there are anti-whaling protests going on. But this series is just too thin to sustain much loyalty for another season.
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athommik27 May 2022The scenery is breathtaking for the most part. The plot is lame & has been done many times over - big man who controls too much, a police officer who is economical with the truth & has a son to protect & investigative journalists, one of whom gets killed etc etc. Plot is probably worth 5/10 maybe, local actors 5.5, main cast saves acting overall, so 6.5 - 7/10. Ending sets up for season 2 if it gets made.
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Tweekums24 July 2022As this six part series opens Sonya, a young mother, is talking to a man on the phone; from what they say it is clear that they feel threatened by powerful individuals. The man is in a car and realises it isn't responding properly... it causes him to crash. Later we cut to an older man who is returning to the islands after years away. He is reporter Hannis Martinsson. He receives a video message from Sonya; without going into details she asks if he can help her as she feels unsafe and doesn't trust the authorities... she also claims to be the daughter he never knew he had! They never get to meet as she turns up dead in the middle of a whale hunt before the end of the first episode. He sets about trying to find out what happened to her and what she was involved with.
I thought this was a solid mystery series. It got off to a good start that meant by the end of the opening episode we were not only wondering who the killer was but also just what was she investigating and whether certain protagonists, notably the police, can be trusted. At only six episodes the story doesn't over stay its welcome although some questions remain unanswered meaning a second season is hoped for. The cast is solid, especially considering the small pool of actors I image there to be on the Faroes, but it is the dramatic local scenery that dominates every outdoor scene. Overall I'd say this isn't the best Nordic mystery series but it is still well worth watching; especially, if like me, you like watching films and series set somewhere different.
These comments are based on watching the series in Faroese with English subtitles. -
sigloiii29 October 2022Perfectly decent Scandi detective series set against a stunning backdrop in the Faroes but turns into a very formulaic type of a show . The characters and their relationships begin to develop but never really get there and it is only through their on screen actions that you really get to know them as people . It is in no sense a slow-burner and except for one very well signposted twist ( slight turn ) the plot has few surprises . The Faroes' fishing traditions are skirted around and touched upon but then just peters out . I have to admit that I took huge exception to the trite , predictable and poorly done finale ! If ever an ending was written with a second series in mind then this was it and I would not be rushing to commission said second series.
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myicq-111 April 2023TROM is a nordic noir just like several other Scandinavian crime stories that have come out. Set on the Faroe Islands (Føroyar), the story involves idealistic activism and dubious corporate actions that has roots to official parts of the country.
The setting is beautiful, with absolutely stunning fly-overs of fjords, green rocks, sheep, tiny houses and crashing waves. Not much mentioned that there are any cities larger than 2 houses.
The characters all seem like the type of people you will find at the west coast of Denmark: rough fisher-men types, with a forever depressed look. No smiles to see here.
What bothers me the most about this series is that Faroese and Danish is mixed at random. The Danes speak Danish, Faroese speak Faroese - and they always understand each other completely. This is far from the reality. Such language mix can be shown between Sweden and Denmark, or maybe Norway / Denmark. But no Dane will randomly understand Faroese - and if they do, they'll also be able to speak it. As a native Dane, it becomes annoying to take such freedoms. Like when someone in a show is interviewing a random person (ex: arabix), asks questions in English, and is responded in Arab. Interpreters obviously cut away.
Quit watching after end of episode 2 where a serious technical plot hole was needed to make the story continue.
For this reason, 3 stars gone. -
robmccallum-6210813 July 2022I found this to be a perfect antidote to a summer heatwave. However it reminded me a little too much of a British crime drama franchise set on certain islands 300 km to the south. Like that other series the landscape and weather are almost characters in their own right and I found myself googling holidays in the Faeroes... As a non-Danish/Faroese speaker I wasn't at all distracted by language issues as some reviewers seem to have been. There were far too many coincidences - like how did not one but two characters independently know that they would find the lead character Hannis staying at his brother's house rather than the hotel? How did Hannis know where Karla lived? And plot holes - the supposedly bright police tech forensics guy knew Sonja's phone was locked using Face ID but didn't think to unlock it using the grisly method employed by Karla. Most tech-savvy companies now disable USB ports on all computers in order to prevent viruses getting onto their estate or secrets leaking out - yet not at Ragnar's company it seems. I felt Hannis needed to lighten up a bit and smile occasionally. But despite these minor concerns I thoroughly enjoyed watching.
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lightworkerchris16 February 2022Good story, amazing landscape, but the acting from faroes cast is not good, sone are better and only 2 are good.
They are unemotional, they know the script, but are not in charecter. The danish cast is top acting, and the faroes are breathtaking. -
EntertheRaptor25 March 2022Found this a tad disappointing. There are so many tropes in the plot. The show manages to retain some mystery around the main crime that is committed till the end of the season. Everything just seems predictable.
And the theme music reminds me of Teardrop by Massive Attack. -
lisbethinsydney31 May 2022Ulrich Thomson's dogged, truth-seeking journalist is someone you definitely want on your side in this powerful drama, as spare and chilling as the stunning landscape. Nordic Noir does the best conspiracy theories, because they are made so believable. Hang in there for season 2!
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ethersinoxford23 August 2022Set in the Faroes it had the possibility of being original. It wasn't. It followed every cliché currently on TV. Toxic, inept, male characters. Strong, competent female ones. The pace was too slow and formulaic. Storyline unoriginal and staggers from one scene to another. If you're in the U. K. it feels like 'Shetland' - an uninspiring BBC crime drama with a bizarrely diverse cast. Seeing the Faroe Islands was the best bit of the show, but that's not really enough to sit through it.
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martimusross23 July 2022Trom
This was a fairly tepid pot-boiler of a murder mystery. Everything was just so shallow, we really didn't have any adaquate characterisations, the plot turns we're largely predictable and the ending just fizzled.
At best this is a 5 outta 10, meaning just about watchable. -
Sadly, the early episodes offered nothing new in the world of Nordic Noir and at times, the drama moved along soporifically, harboring only a modicum of intrigue and suspense.
Thankfully, my lasting impression was improved by the beautiful Faroese scenery and an energetic and well constructed final episode. Yet there is no mistaking that the production was, on the whole, too derivative and a little bland.
Were the makers' unresolved cliffhangers potent enough to make me watch a second season? I'm undecided. - 7.5/10. -
laduqesa20 January 2023I think that part of the attraction of this series was that it was set in the Faroe Islands. Indeed, a couple of weaknesses in the plot could be forgiven for that.
The programme explored a murder investigation from two different angles, one by the police and the other by an investigative journalist. Lying and sabotage by people of interest, both suspects and witnesses impeded the process but unfortunately a person who was clearly involved in the murder was screamingly obvious from very early on.
Others have remarked on the clear cliffhanger that présages a second series. I'll watch it when it comes out. -
Guanche482 August 2023As a big fan of the Scandinavian series, I had never heard of these islands, the Faroe islands. Awesome photography !! Wow!! Beautiful!
I liked the series, not the best I've seen of Scandinavian origin, but still quite exciting and entertaining. The originality of the series is in the industry of these islands, the business of the whales and the fishing, for the rest the plot is something that we have all seen before, the powerfull with money against the people who are suspicions of criminality and corruption.
There are some inconsistencies but I forgive them, for example in the part of one of the fights, and moments later you don't have any scratch on your face?
The actors all at the level, and the series has that somewhat sad atmosphere of country, of an isolated island where everyone knows each other and even knows the color of your underwear.
I recommend it, it has very different and original touches, due to the different characters, personalities and location.
There are only 6 episodes which makes it very enjoyable and fast, and I hope for a second season!! -
xoxoxokimmy20 January 2023Trom is a thrilling and captivating Nordic noir crime series set in the stunning Faroe Islands. The first season follows journalist Hannis Martinsson as he delves into the mysterious disappearance of a local animal rights activist and uncovers a web of secrets and lies within the tight-knit island community. The show expertly combines a gripping storyline with beautiful cinematography, highlighting the unique and rugged landscape of the Faroes. The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly the lead character played by Ulrich Thomsen, who is a complex and relatable protagonist. Overall, Trom is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and offers a fresh and unique perspective on the genre.
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nrafiei30 March 2022The story has a good beginning. The issue of threats and problems of activists, journalists and journalists in the field of environment is raised. Because the main subject is completely forgotten.
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itriatay99516 March 2024I have become an addict of Nordic Noir ever since I studied my master's studies in Sweden. Ulrich Thomsen is one of the best actors in Scandinavia and Trom is another great serie of him that you must watch. Trom takes place in Faroe Islands which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. These islands are very famous because of their unearthly landscape like in the case of Iceland. For that reason, the atmosphere of this serie is absolutely great with beautiful scenery. In addition to this, the story is good and the other actors are playing good. However, the only bad thing about this serie is that there is need for a second season so that story can be completed. Anyhow I give 8 out of 10.
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jim-messener31 July 2022Since when do IMDB reviewers give 7 stars for scenery ! Maybe that includes score for wooden acting. Having watched Scandi/Nordic noir for 14 years I can honestly say this is an all time low. Even beats a couple of Sky made clunkers. And to end at 6 episodes with no resolutiion (and 2nd series not given Green Light yet) is an insult to viewers. Another example of BBC scrabbling for viewers so air anything with a hint of Norwegian Sea.
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aaadiymail14 July 2022As an advert for a land that looked post apocalyptically devastated, it was ok.
As crime 'thriller' it was soporific.
Poor acting, poor directing Wonderful camera work A rambling and inconsequential plot. -
philipfoxe16 July 2022This drama is good looking but sadly let down by dire scripting and continuity errors. The acting is fine but there are so many ridiculous and unlikely scenes. So much of it simply isn't credible and I'm not going to put in spoilers. It's clearly been left open for a second series....let's hope that doesn't happen....
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crumpytv17 July 2022Well, there are not many laughs in this!
Not even a good advertisement for Faroe Islands tourism as I think there was one shot with blue sky in a total of 6 episodes.
The rest was grey, cloudy, rain and mist.
Yet again we have the female lead detective (plus same gender sidekick) and the unsupportive, obstructive borderline corrupt boss. Seen it all before.
Ulrich Thomsen carries the whole thing really.
The ending is annoying. A lot of loose end left in the balance, maybe anticipating a second series, but it is frustrating for the viewer, especially Ragnar í Rong not getting his just deserts. -
kingubito19 April 2022You'd be forgiven for at first thinking Trom is concerned with the global trend of increased violence against environmental protestors, but really its just a useful plot for a tourist film partly funded by Visit the Faroe Islands. Cinematography is great tho, but there is no real interest in anything, particularly anything whale related. Shame as its directed by Kasper Barfoed who is responsible for the wonderful Kastanjemanden (The Chestnut Man).
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matthilbert-8735028 October 2022I'm afraid this is the future of TV storytelling. I thought this was a terrific drama. A country I've not seen before, a gripping story, and some really good acting, despite other reviews on this site.
But - and this is a huge but - season 1 ends with no resolution to the story.
This, I'm afraid, is the Netflix effect on storytelling. Want another series? Don't give the viewers an ending. Leave it unresolved instead so you get funding for another season.
I hope you don't get funding for another season. I feel cheated. I wasted my time watching this and it's left a sour note. Shame on you for going for the money and not gunning for the story.