Eyewitness (2014) User Reviews (13)

Norwegian TV has definitely got my attention!

[nikhil_kamra · 7/10 · 2 July 2017]

Yes, this is not a 10/10 rating. But that doesn't make this suspenseful thrilling drama any lesser than a MUST WATCH!

The only other Norwegian series that I've seen is SKAM. It blew over the internet, and I've got to say, it is a masterpiece. Now, I wasn't intending on watching any other Norwegian series, any time soon. But I really wanted to watch the US remake of this series, Eyewitness.

I read online (at a lot of places) that for the viewers of the original drama, that is, THIS, Eyewitness, the US remake was a complete and utter failure. And because I had some time on my hands, I gave this a go. And my, my, was it worth it! This certainly exceeded my expectations. Enough that I do not want to watch the US remake anymore. Not any time soon. Knowing myself, I will later on.

Let's get into it?

THE GOOD:

1. The acting! Norway has got some seriously talented people in their acting department. I mean as far as I remember, none of these actors are known to me. Just like none were from SKAM. And just like SKAM, they are a MASSIVELY talented bunch! A HUGE APPLAUSE!

2. The script and the idea. It's a fairly original idea and it's perfectly understandable that people in US made their own version of this. It IS that good, after all.

3. The execution. I cannot remember the last time, the conclusion of any series had me so tightly gripped!

THE BAD:

1. It felt like the script was probably extended to fill in 6-hour long episodes. The excitement and the gripping tension of this dark series was little to non-existent in the middle of the series. Episodes 3 and 4, to be precise. Certain elements were really not required and could be done without.

2. Little to no conclusion. The series came extremely abruptly to a conclusion. We got the answers to all the "what" questions, but a lot of "how"s and "why"s were left unanswered.

3. Because there was no conclusion, there was no aftermath. AT ALL. Which is okay, but I really don't think it should have ended the way it did. A few more minutes could have done SO, SO much good! But, nevertheless. The review must go on!

SOME NOTES:

1. This is NOT a "gay" series as some people point out. There is only a very little representation of it, despite it being a "central" plot. Now, that isn't a good OR a bad thing. It's just how it is.

2. A shout-out to the following actors/actresses, JUST BECAUSE: Axel Bøyum, Anneke von der Lippe, Per Kjerstad, Bjørn Skagestad, Tobias Santelmann. I don't even know how to pronounce these names, but these actors are really just AMAZING!

SUMMARY:

This series is not at all perfect but is definitely gripping, dark, and binge worthy. Despite the few pointless plots that lead to a few boring moments, and the extremely little conclusion that leaves many questions unanswered, this series is most definitely a MUST WATCH! If you're up to watch a Norwegian cinema/TV or a foreign crime drama in general, this is it!

I give it a hard earned and well deserved 7/10! :)

both suspenseful and moving

[myriamlenys · 8/10 · 9 January 2018]

Now here's a fine crime series from Scandinavia : well-acted, well-plotted, twisty and full of surprises. The series is also moving, especially where it explores the difficulties, insecurities and tensions related to adolescence. It's the cruelest period in human life, when the difference between fitting in and not fitting in can mean the difference between walking home in peace and quiet and being thrown in a ditch. Try being gay under such circumstances - it's pretty much like having "Please kick me" tattooed on your forehead.

I also enjoyed the beautifully shot locations and exteriors.

I've just noticed that "Les innocents", the French adaptation, is on the telly. Would it hurt the eyes of a viewer from Bordeaux to watch a hillside in Norway ? Even if I get to be a hundred, I'll never understand why television makers look at a foreign series, say "Wow, this stuff is pretty good" and then rush away in order to make their own version. Generally speaking it's an exercice in redundancy.

Eyewitness

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 5 August 2017]

Fifteen year old friends Philip and Henning meet in a hut in a remote forest and things start to get intimate between them… then they are interrupted when four men drive up. These men intend to kill a fifth man they have in the boot of their car. One of the group is a police informer and he gives a pistol to the 'victim'; this man then shoots all four of the men who brought him there. He then heads to the hut and confronts Philip; just as he is about to shoot him Henning hits him with a frying pan and the boys escape. Philip wants to tell his foster mother, Helen Sikkeland a local police chief, but Henning persuades him to keep quiet as he doesn't want anybody knowing what they were doing there.

Without any witness reports the police assume that, as the victims were all members of a biker gang, it must have been a rival gang behind the killings. The gangs assume the same and the violence escalates. Meanwhile we learn more about the real killer; most notably that he is a senior police officer with a Special Forces background willing to kill anybody who could expose him.

This Norwegian crime drama might be a little far-fetched at times, notable as it reaches its somewhat melodramatic conclusion, but it is gripping from start to finish. The fact that the identity of the killer is known from the start doesn't detract from the story as our knowledge about him makes him more menacing. The cast does a fine job; most notably Anneke von der Lippe as Helen and Axel Bøyum and Odin Waage as Philip and Henning. They make their characters believable and sympathetic. There are quite a few scenes that may disturb some viewers; these include the murder of a teenage girl and a man having his tattoos removed with an iron. Away from the central mystery there is some family drama; this doesn't feel too tagged on as it explains some of the characters' actions. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Scandinavian drama; if you've yet to watch any others this would be a decent entry as, at only six episodes, it is one of the shorter ones.

These comments are based on watching the series in Norwegian with English subtitles.

Can't expect much more

[OJT · 10/10 · 18 November 2014]

I'm not at all too keen on watch TV-series, but more into film. Occasionally I find time to check out a new one, and especially I have been interested in the Nordic-noir genre which have been given quite a lot of acclaim the latter years. This Norwegian gangster-crime series follows up this trend. Made in Norway with many connections to both Sweden and Denmark.

This is really an edge-of-the-seat-thriller series, and way more than expected. I think this TV-series manages to engage me so much that I've been looking more and more forward to each episode, and really hate when it's all over after the 6th episode. Proper use of cliffhangers ensure that, but also that the persons are of interest. I find that there's many interesting persons, e.g. from different sides and branches of the police forces, as well as you really get to know some of the persons on a more personal level.

Great actors all over, even the two boys are doing a great job. Quite professionally and sincere. What Ifind very pleasing is that the series seems very realistic. Names of places, locations as well as the use of buildings are all very tidy done. Even the news are made with real well-known news presenters, and there's simply nothing which loses the credibility. I've so many times been annoyed with facts that are plainly stupid in TV-series, you know, like name of countries not existing in the real world and so on. Here it's simply impossible to arrest any fact from Norway, Sweden or Denmark. It's all very real and totally believable. The only thing which can be arrested for not being a fact, is the name of the biker Club (6'ers with the emblem 666), which isn't any real club. However, their club location is real of another existing bikers club. I find that quite impressive. A real done job!

The series is well written, and though I in the start found the opening plot hard to believe, it started off a tension which is very suitable.

Once you get hitched, you won't be able to stop watching! You can't really expect more from a TV-series. One of the best I've seen for years, and just as good as the best of the British ones.

A Masterful Norwegian Thriller

[martys-7 · 10/10 · 25 September 2016]

Do yourself a favor and see this series before the American remake. I'm amazed how the majority of American viewers do not realize that every time a Scandinavian TV series or movie is successful, a network or studio buys its rights and soon we have the American remake--which is ALWAYS inferior. The Bridge, The Killing, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, among several others, have been remakes of far superior original versions. The rights for Eyewitness, this excellent Norwegian thriller, were sold to the USA Network and the remake was filmed in Canada for the USA Network. If you can see the original (it is available at DailyMotion), do it before seeing the remake.

While not as long (only 10 one-hour episodes) and labyrinthine as The Killing or The Bridge, this is a relatively complex, character-driven, realistic, well-paced edge of the seat thriller. Two rural teenage boys hide the fact they have witnessed the murder of several bikers to avoid revealing they were having a secret gay encounter. Their secrecy will allow the killer to continue to operate freely while the bikers and the Balkan mafia will go to war. The plot is completely believable while the situations, locations (real biker clubs, etc.), and character development create a naturalistic feeling that prevails in every scene.

This series reaffirms the fact that Norway now shares with Denmark and Sweden the world crown of crime fiction. Eyewitness is an absolute must for lovers of Scandinavian noir and police thrillers.

An entertaining product of it's time

[kevols · 7/10 · 25 March 2024]

Listen, I watched this series 10 years after it's initial release, and will review it as such. The actual storyline is engaging and interesting, despite an ending that leaves some to be desired. The acting from the two boys is impressive as they were very young, Axel Bøyum does a very good job bringing Philip to life, and his portrayal is both realistic and leveled. Anneke von der Lippe also portrays a complex and interesting character very well, trying to walk the line between professional and personal life. Some of the other characters are less complex and don't bring as much to the story.

The romantic relationship between the two boys also leaves a lot to be desired, and with very little chemistry between them in most scenes, it's hard to care about their relationship. I would prefer for their relationship to be explored more, rather than it taking a back seat to support the rest of the TV-series, regardless of how entertaining the series is.

The best Norwegian crime series I have seen so far

[BeneCumb · 9/10 · 14 October 2015]

As for series on related topic, I am able to recall Varg Veum, and apparently I have seen all episodes available... Yes, I liked it, but it is more Beck and Wallander than those coming from Scandinavia when you have to watch all in sequence and where are many intertwined events, not every episode dedicated to solving a certain tort or felony.

Øyevitne measures easily up to the currently most famous Danish-Swedish series: gloomy atmosphere, harsh nature, thrilling yet realistic plot with some unexpected changes, fitting actors performing rather as a team than backing someone who is heavily "better" or "distinct" (Axel Bøyum and Anneke von der Lippe had apparently the most versatile characters to play)... Some spend more time on screen, the others less, but they do all have their role and place, not just filling a scene or prolonging the events (6 episodes made the story intense and compact). Plus, I liked the ending as the very final scenes did not contain the odd dramatics so characteristic to the US series, above all. And I also liked that private and sensitive issues were approached in realistic manner, as a part of everyday life, without strict assessments.

I am pleased that Norwegians have vigorously established themselves in the field long dominated by Swedes and Danes. Well done and more similar achievements in the future!

Loved it

[audus · 9/10 · 27 February 2018]

I've known about this series for a while, but only decided to watch it yesterday. That turned out to be a good decision, as I could not stop watching. The series had me on edge, wanting to know more, and it had me quite moved at several points.

After finishing it, I started on the English remake. I have to say I prefer this Norwegian original so far.

Anyway, I also wanted to comment on someone elses review about the last episode and how it was "implausible" that "people can be revived after numerous minutes trapped under water and after being shot so badly that blood is pumping out of their mouth."

In the series they said the person was trapped under water for 7 minutes. The water was cold, and people can survive for much longer than 7 minutes in cold water. I googled and saw mentions of up to 42 minutes for some Italian boy. I also googled the gunshot, and apparently chances of suriviving being shot in a lung are quite good, especially if you get medical treatment in a timely manner, which the person in question did.

So while I do agree that there story has some weaknesses elsewhere, I don't see any of these things being implausible. All in all I highly recommend this series.

Gripping Norwegian drama

[topchook · 9/10 · 6 January 2017]

Norwegian drama/thriller "Eyewitness" was my latest Nordic noir binge. Six episodes - each one increasingly had me on the edge of my seat. The story begins with two teenage boys witnessing a brutal murder scene. This series reminded me a little of Irish thriller "The Fall", in that we learn early on who the killer is. Suspense is heightened by the race to solve the crime before the killer finds the eyewitnesses. This gripping thriller also explores other contemporary issues in society: bikie gangs, addiction, sexuality and relationships. Talented cast - can't wait to watch more Norwegian drama series. Highly recommended crime series.

Good, except too long and implausible

[pawebster · 5/10 · 7 April 2017]

I enjoyed the series - mostly.

The atmosphere and the initial premise were done well, but it all went on too long (they could have cut a couple of the middle episodes without much adverse effect).

The last episode was crazy, with plenty of daft stuff, e.g. your foster son is clearly desperate and determined to go out into a dangerous situation. You forbid this strongly - but do nothing whatever to enforce your ruling. Next morning he's gone. Oh dear, what a surprise! Apparently people can be revived after numerous minutes trapped under water and after being shot so badly that blood is pumping out of their mouth.

The boys' acting was ho hum. The blond one merely sulked angrily all the way through. Yawn. The other one was better and sometimes managed to suggest a younger teenager, mainly when he was with other teenagers, but a lot of the time he seemed much too calm, self-possessed and just plain adult.

Norwegian Noir Thrill Ride, so much better than its US remake "Eyewitness"

[markaaron-97974 · 9/10 · 29 May 2018]

Hitchcock often set his dark thrillers in beautiful, bucolic settings in order to starkly contrast them with his explorations of their dark underbellies. What better setting, then, than affluent,socially advanced, peaceful, stunningly beautiful Norway for these story tellers to do the same. Yes, there's something rotten in Norway.

It all starts with a violent crime accidentally witnessed by two teen boys who keep their mouths shut in order to hide the fact that they were there to have sex. But they've been seen and this puts them in danger and sets off all kinds of twists and turns and reverberations, especially since one of the teens is the foster son of the police officer in charge of investigating the crime.

But this is a character study as much as a procedural drama so that along the way we are exposed to a prickly cast of characters who we get to know and care about despite their many flaws which are highlighted by the dilemmas they are facing. They're pushed to their limits.

With excellent acting, great production design, updated Noir atmosphere, the many twists and turns of the plot and the constant sense of impending danger, this thriller grabs you and runs you ragged much like it does to the characters.

Totally Unbelievable

[crumpytv · 3/10 · 3 November 2021]

So many aspects of this drama defy plausibility., not least of all the final episode.

There are too many sub-plots which makes it all too long and difficult to follow.

The boorish same-sex relationship, which seems to be compulsory these days, had no bearing whatsoever on the main storyline. It just got in the way, and they kept returning to it. I found it uncomfortable that one party was emotionally blockmaking the other into a relationship that he had no inclination for.

The sub-plots involving bikers, Balkans and gang warfare just lost me. I had no idea what the message was at the end that the jailed villain received.

The perpetrator was too narcissistic to take the action he did at the end, it didn't make sense.

It also appears that characters in dramas can survive where no normal people could.

Frustrating

[mosquitobite · 5/10 · 19 November 2018]

The endless circling around the killer who the audience knows from the outset and sees in the first ep...with everyone feeding him info like a baby bird in a nest...just becomes tiresome. Not well written im afraid, messy contrived and unconvincing with an especially irritating simpering female cop (the ditzy blonde) who seems to have the danger caution radar of a gnat. Henning i love you 😂