Karin Lossow, once a respected prosecutor, returns to her hometown of Usedom after serving six years behind bars for shooting her unfaithful husband. The residents of the island, including her own daughter, police officer Julia Thiel, are far from welcoming. The tension is palpable as everyone grapples with Karin's past—her old home is now infamously dubbed the "Mörderhus." But just as Karin aims to reconnect with her estranged daughter, tragedy strikes with the suspicious drowning of Thomas Krenzlin, setting off a wave of intrigue and investigation.
Thomas, confined to his wheelchair after causing a fatal car accident two years prior, is found dead under what officials agree are suspicious circumstances. Julia, who has always struggled with her mother’s actions and their repercussions on their family, steps up as the lead investigator. Her personal conflict is amplified by her need to remain professional as the case draws her and Karin closer together yet keeps them emotionally distant.
During the investigation of Thomas’s death, clues start to point to various suspects, including his Polish nurse and the people around him who had their own hidden agendas. Was it revenge for his past crime, or perhaps despair pushing him to take his own life? The questions swirl around Julia as she wrestles with the dual identity of being both investigator and daughter.
Karin, meanwhile, embarks on her own quest for redemption, visiting Thomas's distraught father and attempting to support him during this tragic time. Through these interactions, dramatic moments arise, forcing both women to reckon with their flawed familial bond. Julius internal conflict about her mother’s past and her current role as investigator weighs heavily, emphasized by her thoughts: "How can I deal with the fact my mother took another life?"
With each discovery, Julia’s relationship with Karin oscillates between hope and despair. It highlights the difficulty of reconciliation against the backdrop of painful memories. The simple task of solving Thomas’s murder turns complex as Julia’s emotions spiral from professional obligation to personal feelings of betrayal by her mother whom she’s never been able to forgive.
Julia's exploration leads her deep within the dark web of Usedom's past, making her vulnerable to powerful local figures during her inquiry. Strikingly, even as she gathers evidence, the political weight of her family history impacts her ability to connect with the suspects and leads to the unmasking of unexpected truths.
Eventually, it becomes clear the drowning wasn’t simply an accident but involved layers of betrayal, jealousy, and long-standing secrets within the isolated community on Usedom. At the heart of the narrative lies not just the murder mystery but also the poignant relationship between mother and daughter as they face the haunting weight of choices made long ago.
The film concludes on bittersweet notes—while the murder is solved, the familial ties remain strained and unresolved. Karin’s desire for forgiveness hangs palpably between her and Julia, leaving the door open for future complications as memories of hurt aren't easily dismissed.
Through atmospheric imagery and character-driven storytelling, "Der Usedom-Krimi: Mörderhus” artfully melds themes of crime and familial redemption. Although the film carries flaws typical of many series entries, it successfully captivates viewers with its deep emotional currents and moody settings. The beautiful yet haunting visuals of Usedom juxtapose the personal struggles, making it not only a crime thriller but also dramatically enriching human story.