🇸🇪 THE TRUTH WILL OUT SEASON 2 🇸🇪
The Truth Will Out aka Der som göms I snö Season 2 (2021) is a Swedish crime, drama, mystery, thriller TV show. In the U.K. it is available on All4 Walter Presents. 5 x 45-minute episodes. Viewer guidance advisory re: content.
Premise:
“A murdered colleague of Peter’s brother is found to have many old files at his home, so the under-staffed Cold Case team become part of the investigation.” (Radio Times)
Cast:
Robert Gustafsson as Peter Wendel
Louise Peterhoff as Caijsa Bergholm
Ia Langhammer as Barbro Svensson
Christopher Wagelin as Jorma Virttanen
Ingela Olsson as Ulla Ståhlnacke
Tyra Olin as Vera Wendel
Cilla Thorell as Stella Olofsson
Ville Virtanen as Eddie
Samuel Fröler as Ludvig Larsson
Inez Dahl Torhaug as Emelie
Celie Sparre as Veronica
Alexandra Alegren as Jenny
Crew:
Creators: Hans Jörnlind, Aron Levander based on an idea by Leif G.W. Persson
Directors: Kristian Petri, Camilla Strøm Henriksen
Composer: Kaare Bjerkø
Cinematographers: Mikael Lindström, Linus Eklund
Editors: Pablo Labañino, Tove Lamm Stråhle, Dino Jonsäter
Casting Director: Catrin Wideryd
Production Designer: Rasmus Thjellesen
Art Directors: Arunas Cepulis, Louise Drake
Costume Designer: Mia Ögren
Make-Up: Linda Boije af Gennäs, Lars Carlsson, Vilma Garliauskiene, Lina Gersauske
Notes:
Kristian Petri and his partner Kristina Lindström directed the multi-award-winning and nominated documentary The Most Beautiful Boy in the World.
A really interesting interview with the composer Kaare Bjerkø about composing the music for The Truth Will Out (3:04 min):
Review:
The Truth Will Out had a first series which I really enjoyed. This was the first time I had seen Robert Gustafsson in a straight role (although the show has its lighter-hearted moments) and I was just blown away by his performance. Since then I have watched The Unlikely Murderer where he plays a character who is dissimilar to Peter Wendel. This is the context from which I jumped merrily into the freezing waters of The Truth Will Out season 2.
Common themes and threads are running between the first and second series of this show: the abuse suffered by Peter and his now-deceased brother Urban; Peter still not believing his brother’s death was suicide; corruption and involvement in dirty deeds from within “the system”; the vulnerable and how the system can fail them.
It is the abuse poor Peter and Urban suffered at the hands of their father which rears its very ugly head again this season. Here I think it raises perennial – and interesting – thoughts about how much nurture v. nature play a part in what happens to children who suffer such physical abuse as they grow up into adults. On the surface, Peter and Urban came out of it in similar ways… but did they?
The second season of The Truth Will Out has very disturbing subject matter and in this respect definitely needs a trigger warning regarding the assaults (physical and sexual) that take place. The mystery at the heart of season 2 links directly back into the first season and Peter’s suspicions about his brother’s suicide. What this sequel does is explore how and why a man like Urban can do what he does – notably when he is given the opportunity which acts as a “trigger” – and the horrific impact this has on others. It also shows us how easy it is for men to abuse the position they are in, to comply with things they know are wrong, for money at a minimum and far more disturbing things beyond, if that is their inclination.
Beyond that, we also see how abuse affects the victims, not only victims such as Peter and Urban but the women and girls who are “easy prey”. I say “easy prey” advisedly because these are victims of their circumstances and the failure in some cases of those responsible for their welfare to assure this. It brings to mind that quote from Gone with the Wind “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!” seems to be far too common a motto.
I love the quirkiness of this show and the humour helps to counterbalance the darkness – and this season there is a LOT of very dark and disturbing events. Barbro and the “it’s complicated” duo by Peter’s side are a great combination on the screen.
What can I say about the performances, except that they are all excellent. There are parts of this that are extremely hard to watch and kudos to those members of the cast who were brave enough to open themselves up like this and to those behind the camera that enable that to happen. Reactions on faces to what is seen by characters but not by us, the audience, are very effective (show, not tell).
Along with the quirkiness, I loved the directorial choices and great editing. I thought the pacing was excellent and the episodes flew by. Visually this show is impressive with its colour palettes, especially the icy blues. The music score is, frankly, wonderful. Ambient and unobtrusive but so perfect at creating an atmosphere, tension and connection to certain locations and people.
At the end of this short season of just 5 episodes, we have a full resolution for Peter and it does have an uplifting and positive vibe, albeit being still very sad. How to break the cycle of abuse is just one question raised for us to ponder.
Can I recommend season 2 of The Truth Will Out? Yes, I can. However, make no mistake, some of this certainly falls into the “hard watch” category.
Trailer S2:
Link to Season 1 review:
The Truth Will Out ~ A Non-Spoiler Review
More Swedish TV Shows:
https://reel2reeltalk.com/category/tv/swedish-tv-shows/
For those who are fans of Nordic/Scandi TV shows and films there is a great affiliated Facebook Page:
https://m.facebook.com/manvelovTheofficialfanpage/
This online publication also has its own Facebook Page with a wide variety of content:
https://m.facebook.com/reel2reeltalk/
Also on Facebook is the group More Than Only Walter Presents which has its focus firmly on non-English language TV shows, films, dramas and documentaries:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/218639287110920/edit
https://reel2reeltalk.com/category/tv/
https://reel2reeltalk.com/category/non-spoiler-reviews/
I really enjoyed Season 1 and I’ve just finished Season 2 which was totally mesmerising…. I think a mention should be given to the opening ‘music’’ which is so simple but compelling…. I agree that all actors were well cast and played their rolès brilliantly…. I would have liked at least 6 episodes in Season 2, and would have loved to see Barbro’s unexpected partner (from Season 1!) All said, 10/10 for me!
Outstanding show – Season 1 and Season 2. Writing, acting, music all were wonderful. Combination of Peter and Barbro is wonderful. Highly recommend.