Creators:
Wilhelm BehrmanDirected by:
Goran KapetanovicCinematography:
Jonas AlarikComposer:
Sophia ErssonCast:
Gizem Erdogan, Amed Bozan, Aliette Opheim, Nora Rios, Albin Grenholm, Simon Mezher, Lancelot Ncube, Amanda Sohrabi, Said Legue, Yussra El Abdouni (more)VOD (1)
Episodes(8)
Plots(1)
An impending ISIS attack on Sweden entangles a group of women, including a mother in a bind, a spirited student and an ambitious cop. (Netflix)
Reviews (7)
Although it might not be immediately apparent from the relatively high rating I’ve given this series, I am disappointed. The show had an absolutely stellar start; I would have easily rated it five stars without hesitation and wouldn’t have regretted it at all. I don't know of any other TV series that tackles such a sensitive topic and gives us a glimpse into life in Raqqa, Syria. The attractiveness of the topic and setting gave it extra points right from the start. Then, viewers must appreciate the authenticity of the performances, with each character portrayed with such depth and feeling, which is rare these days. It set up a compelling drama with several subplots leading to a grand finale where all these stories were supposed to come together into a cohesive whole. Herein lies the problem, specifically regarding the last two episodes. The script stopped working. While the characters’ actions could be considered surprising, their motivations made absolutely no sense. I’m honestly not sure if I want to commit to a second season. The show offered emotions and harsh situations accompanied by chilling music, but overall, they failed with the ending. It’s a shame. I rate it 70% (a weaker four stars).
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This European version of Homeland is tailored to address today’s migration issues. The Swedish know how to get the viewer hooked and Caliphate gives all of the protagonists a hard time right from the first episode. Things begin to heat up for a woman who goes to Syria to find a better life, for a fanatical policewoman and also for a father whose daughter is fanaticized by craftily sent YouTube links. The film has momentum and verve, as well as often eye-opening lessons that might do some good for society. It's just a shame that at the end its creators shrank away from presenting the real moral of the story. Some characters behave irrationally and the twists are a bit odd, probably so it wouldn’t end up as badly as it might have. On the whole, Caliphate is a strong and thrilling film that squeezes the maximum out of the genre. A must see for all EMPs.
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A subject so fragile I dare not comment on it in my current frame of mind. But the series is definitely one of the handful of the best things I've seen from Netflix, and even if I had to, I can't think of a single thing Caliphate did wrong. I could complain that it crossed the line with me emotionally a few times, but I guess I knew what I was getting into. An incredible series in every way.
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The Swedes serve up a gritty and realistic insight into Muslim culture, and it's good enough that I finished it in one day. On the one hand, we follow the events in Raqqa, where Pervin plans his escape and contacts the Swedish police with information that a terrorist attack is about to be launched on Sweden. The depiction of life there is filmed very authentically and it really gives you chills. Watching it, I thought to myself that I am glad I was born in Europe. On the other hand, we see the work of the Swedish police and also the life of Muslims in Sweden, which is the second most racist country in the world. The conversion of young girls to the Muslim faith was very interesting and the idea of someone going to Raqqa voluntarily believing that paradise on earth awaits them, only to get a slap in the face on arrival in a bombed-out city where women have no freedom, power or rights. The series may eschew action, but it has an uncompromisingly bleak atmosphere, a high dose of suspense, a fair share of shocking twists and turns, great performances and constant chills guaranteed. It's both excellent and powerful at the same time. Story*****, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence**, Entertainment*****, Music***, Visuals****, Atmosphere*****, Suspense*****. 9/10.
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Reviews of movies and series are usually derived from comparison, and unfortunately, I watched Caliphate only after finishing the excellent Israeli series Our Boys. It is among the rare titles that can be labeled as perfect, and precise, without any flaws or missteps. Caliphate is, let's say, fresh and made on a current topic, but it is far from a perfect experience. The acting performances are average in some cases, and the thought processes and actions of some of the characters evoke the feeling of the screenwriter's effort to go in a specified direction rather than a credible reality. I read somewhere a comparison to the American series Homeland, and I don't consider that a compliment. At times, there is clearly an attempt to make the story more attractive no matter what. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and recommendable series. Overall impression: 75%.
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