In the small town of Leer, Germany, a gripping tale of mystery unfolds in the ZDF crime film "Friesland: Feuerteufel," airing on May 7, 2025, at 20:15 Uhr. This installment of the beloved "Friesland" series brings viewers back to the high northern region, where a series of arsons leads to tragic consequences and a complex investigation.
The film, which originally premiered on December 23, 2023, centers around a wave of fires that devastate the community, resulting in significant property damage and the death of Hofbesitzer Johann Mors, portrayed by Jens Weisser. Mors meets his tragic fate in a barn fire, setting off a chain of events that will have the local police working overtime to uncover the truth.
Polizistin Süher Özlügül, played by Sophie Dal, and her partner Henk Cassens, portrayed by Maxim Mehmet, are at the forefront of the investigation. Their task becomes increasingly complicated as they delve into the lives of the victims and the surrounding community. Susanne Mors, Johann's daughter-in-law, played by Inka Löwendorf, reveals her complicated feelings towards her late father-in-law, stating, "He was a bastard! He didn't like me. He didn't like his children either. Actually, he didn't like anyone." This candid admission raises questions about the motivations behind the fire.
As the investigation progresses, another victim emerges—a vacationer who was visiting the Otto couple, played by Agnes Decker and Florian Schmidtke. This second death intensifies the urgency for Süher and Henk to find the perpetrator before more lives are lost. The duo faces mounting pressure as they uncover evidence that suggests the fires may not be random acts of arson but rather part of a larger scheme.
Kriminalhauptkommissar Jan Brockhorst, portrayed by Felix Vörtler, begins to suspect that the fires could be linked to insurance fraud, especially since both the Mors family and the Ottos had recently insured their properties against fire damage. Compounding the mystery, Süher's brother, Yunus, played by Yunus Cumartpay, becomes a person of interest due to his role as an insurance agent working with the affected farms. His involvement raises eyebrows and complicates the investigation further.
Adding another layer to the narrative is Bestatter Wolfgang Habedank, played by Holger Stockhaus. As a volunteer youth fire warden, he assists in extinguishing the fires while also providing insight into the community's dynamics. His character, along with a standout performance by Tina Pfurr as Melanie Harms, an employee at the local pharmacy, adds depth to the storytelling. Melanie steps up to help her injured boss, Insa Scherzinger, portrayed by Theresa Underberg, during the investigation, showcasing her unexpected talent for crime-solving.
Throughout the film, the tight-knit community of Leer is portrayed vividly, with the script capturing the essence of a provincial town where everyone knows each other, yet newcomers are often met with skepticism. This dynamic is exemplified in the interactions between the long-established Mors family and the more recent arrivals, the Ottos, who have only lived in the area for a few years.
As Süher and Henk work tirelessly to connect the dots, tensions rise when Henk himself becomes a suspect, leading to his suspension. The plot thickens as the investigation reveals troubling aspects of Henk's past, making it unclear whether he is a victim or a perpetrator. Süher finds herself torn between her loyalty to her partner and her duty to uncover the truth.
The film does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths to which people will go for money. The potential for insurance fraud looms large over the investigation, leaving viewers to ponder the motivations behind the characters' actions.
Filming for "Friesland: Feuerteufel" took place between July 12 and September 12, 2022, primarily in Leer and the surrounding areas, including Cologne. The choice of locations adds authenticity to the storytelling, immersing viewers in the scenic yet tumultuous backdrop of Ostfriesland.
As the film concludes, viewers are left with a mix of suspense and satisfaction, as the intricate web of relationships and motives comes to light. The charm of the "Friesland" series continues to resonate, with its blend of crime, drama, and the unique quirks of small-town life.
For fans of the series, "Friesland: Feuerteufel" promises to deliver the engaging storytelling and character-driven plots that have made it a staple of German television. With three more films already completed—"Tief im Dreck," "Geisterstunde," and "Schiffe schrotten"—there's plenty more to look forward to in this captivating franchise.
As the clock ticks down to the premiere, anticipation builds for another thrilling chapter in the "Friesland" saga, reminding viewers that in a world of secrets and lies, the truth is often just a flame away.
