On January 27, 2025, Canal+ will debut the gripping Finnish series Conflict, chronicling the harrowing narrative of military invasion set against contemporary geopolitical tensions. This six-episode thriller intertwines political intrigue, drama, and military action to explore the fragility of security within Finland.
The story begins during Midsummer celebrations on the idyllic peninsula of Hanko, where Finnish armed forces, including American troops, are concluding military exercises. Everything takes a turn for the worse when unidentified armed forces swiftly mount a hostile invasion, severing communications and taking over the region, effectively holding more than 10,000 civilians hostage, including relatives of the freshly elected President Linnea Saaristo, played by Sara Soulié.
Created by acclaimed director Aku Louhimies and co-writer Andrei Alén, Conflict dives headfirst into the chaos following the unprovoked attack. With civilians and soldiers caught off guard, characters grapple with dire decisions. While Annika Berg, portrayed by Julia Korpinen, leads her group of conscripts through the perilous environment, military captain Rami Ohrankämmen, portrayed by Peter Franzén, prioritizes finding his family and joins forces with a network of resistance fighters.
President Saaristo must navigate unprecedented crises, torn between military confrontation and diplomatic negotiation. Internal discord within the Finnish government complicates her choices, with her Prime Minister advocating for diplomatic solutions against the urgency of military retaliation. The pressure is intensified by international responses, particularly from the United States, concerned about potential fallout from the conflict.
Conflict tackles the pressing issue of hybrid warfare, where adversaries may not be clearly identified, making it difficult to ascertain their intentions. Alén noted, "We envisioned this scenario years ago, thinking it would never become part of our reality. Today, it’s more relevant than ever, but it remains fiction," addressing how current global events have influenced the series.
The creators emphasized the realism of the series, steering clear of excessive digital effects. “Most of the helicopters, planes, and tanks you see are real,” Louhimies asserted, indicating their commitment to authenticity. The natural light of the Finnish summer enriches the immersive experience, enhancing the atmosphere and setting.
The narrative astutely intertwines various characters' fates—from families and soldiers to politicians—painting a comprehensive picture of the impact of war. Journalists have praised the show for its mastery of blending personal stakes with geopolitical themes, capturing the anxiety surrounding potential conflicts.
Critical reception has been largely positive, hailing Conflict as compelling and audacious. Télé-Loisirs noted the series' “constant and chilling tension” bolstered by “strong acting performances,” recommending the show to fans of modern immersive narratives. Meanwhile, Télérama lauded its impeccable direction and narrative stakes. 24 Heures, the Swiss media outlet, highlighted Conflict’s universality, crediting it with 4.5 stars, summarizing the overall enthusiasm for the initial episodes.
Despite apparent weaknesses cited by some reviewers, particularly concerning the development of secondary characters, the series contradicts this via its sharp focus on the overarching tension inherent to wartime crises. The various degrees of suspense and the realistic narrative maintain viewers' edge-of-the-seat engagement.
The urgency of Conflict is underscored by the reality of hybrid conflicts—a concept increasingly prevalent since the Cold War. Such conflicts see powerful nations engaging indirectly through proxy invasions, making Conflict more relevant than ever as it echoes real-world anxieties relative to Finland's geopolitical stance.
By providing significant thematic content coupled with high-stakes narratives, Conflict is poised to resonate with audiences who appreciate complex political thrillers. Viewers are invited to examine whether they are ready to confront the unpredictable nature of modern warfare.
With its gripping plot and high production values, Conflict is more than just entertainment; it offers viewers insight and reflection on the deterioration of peace within the precarious global climate. The first two episodes of Conflict will air on Canal+ at 9 PM on January 27, 2025, with subsequent episodes each Monday until February 10, 2025.