Crime drama aficionados have a new series to sink their teeth into with the arrival of "The Black Forest Murders" on BBC iPlayer. This intense four-part German production, originally released in 2021, has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of a chilling investigation into the murders of two young women in southern Germany. Drawing from Walter Roth's factual book Soko Earle, the series combines two real-life criminal cases from 2016 to craft a meticulously detailed and compelling police procedural narrative.
The story opens with the discovery of a young woman’s brutally beaten body, setting off a tense and relentless hunt for the perpetrator. Senior Detective Barbara Kramer, portrayed by the talented Nina Kunzendorf, leads the Lauburg police team through a complex web of clues and leads. Alongside her is Thomas Riedle, played by Tilman Strauß, and a dedicated ensemble including Aliki Hirsch, Božidar Kocevski, Atrin Haghdoust, and David Richter. As the investigation unfolds, the team must also contend with a second murder case, the connection to the first unclear, while unsettling parallels emerge to a similar homicide in Austria from 2012.
The series’ synopsis aptly captures the mounting tension: "The clock is ticking... When a woman is bludgeoned to death, detectives face mounting pressure to crack the case and catch a killer. Intense crime drama inspired by real-life cases." This pressure is palpable throughout the episodes, as the team grapples not only with the intricacies of the case but also the psychological toll such high-stakes investigations exact on those involved.
Upon its debut in Germany, "The Black Forest Murders" quickly garnered praise for its authentic and unpretentious storytelling. Viewers were drawn to the show's refusal to rely on sensationalism or contrived action sequences, instead focusing on the painstaking, often frustrating realities of police work. One viewer shared, "I watched the entire series in one sitting and thought it was excellent. The meticulous investigation was amazing. Nina Kunzendorf was at her best as a fair and likeable boss in a strong team." Another remarked on the series’ realism: "This crime thriller was free of staged chases and unnecessary action—just good, real police work. Good actors, though difficult to understand at times." The dialect and mumbling were noted as minor challenges but ultimately added to the authentic atmosphere.
Fans have lauded the series for its dense atmosphere and strong performances. A particularly enthusiastic review stated, "A wonderfully authentic and unpretentious narrative, a crime story like you'd only wish for, not cluttered with ridiculous subplots and overly contrived action. A fantastic team around Nina Kunzendorf, who always remains believable. Fantastic! I wish there were more original productions with such a dense atmosphere and such well-acted acting." The show’s approach, focusing squarely on the investigative process rather than the detectives’ personal lives, has been described as refreshing by many. One viewer noted, "I found it very refreshing to actually focus on the police work for once, and not hear all sorts of love stories or other personal details about the detectives for the 100th time. I still really liked all the actors in their roles and would be happy to see a sequel!"
Critical reception has been positive as well. The Sydney Morning Herald awarded the series four stars, calling it "outstanding," while The Guardian praised it as "not so much a thriller as a satisfying puzzle, steadily coming together." Good Housekeeping described it as "absolutely gripping" and "scarily compelling," underscoring the series’ ability to keep viewers on edge without resorting to melodrama.
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, expressed enthusiasm about the series upon its arrival on BBC iPlayer. She described "The Black Forest Murders" as "an authentic and compelling crime series focusing on the work of a meticulous investigative team." Deeks highlighted that beyond the gripping murder mystery, the show offers "a detailed look at the challenges of solving complex crimes, and the psychological toll on those involved in such high-stakes investigations." This insight into the emotional and mental strain on detectives adds a profound layer to the narrative, elevating it beyond a standard whodunit.
The production’s commitment to realism extends to its portrayal of the investigative unit’s dynamics and procedures. The team grows into a large special investigation unit, securing hundreds of clues and tirelessly working to piece them together under the watchful eye of the public and media. The mounting pressure and slow progress reflect the frustrations inherent in real-world investigations, making the series resonate deeply with viewers seeking authenticity.
While the series is fictionalized, its foundation in true events lends it a weighty gravitas. It merges two real criminal cases from 2016, with echoes of a 2012 Austrian case, weaving a narrative that is as much about human perseverance as it is about crime-solving. This approach has struck a chord with audiences who appreciate a crime drama that respects the intelligence of its viewers and the complexity of real-life policing.
For those eager to experience this compelling drama, "The Black Forest Murders" is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of true crime stories or simply in search of a tightly woven, authentic police procedural, this series promises an intense, rewarding viewing experience that’s hard to pause once started.
