The cast, lead and production (and the bleak, unforgiving Swedish climate) are all strong elements, but the thing that made me binge watch most of this series is the 'ramp shaped' storytelling. At first very little happens but as more about the discovery is revealed, White Wall becomes intriguing and mysterious - even including some talk of UFOs - then finally goes full Scooby Doo 'hungh?' when it appears there's some kind of psychic connection between this thing that's been buried in the ground for millions of years and the present day attempts to locate water sources on other planets. And that's exactly where it leaves it for Season 1: The door is now wide open for literally anything else to happen.
44 Reviews
Oh, Why do I want so much to go to bed?
refordgarry27 October 2020
I love listening to Swedish, since it contains so much Anglo-Saxon seed language, and one can discern why people such as Tolkien regarded the great European legends and traditions as such a diverse and rich resource. But this White Wall thing is getting so tedious, plodding along at a truly glacial rate! I'm already one episode extra un-watched, with so many of the other trash TV Series of 2020 already binned! This one's not that bad, if you can truly remember the story from episode to episode, but I'm still expecting some alien 'Greeny' to jump out from the other side of that Wall with a message that we've all been naughty, so I have my Remote permanently placed where it can be reached 'tout-suite'.
Suspense...
jesse_larsson14 October 2020
Painfully bad pacing
leif.hellstrom1 October 2020
This is unfortunately another case of a potentially interesting idea that is poorly executed. The basic plot has been described by others and will not be repeated here.
The show suffers from some of the maladies common to Swedish films and TV shows. The main one here is the acute lack of proper pacing. The show just plods along, seemingly with little thought of what is important to the plot and what is not. There are unimportant sub-plots and characters who contribute little or nothing and just make the story drag painfully at times. A third or more of the footage should have been left on the cutting-room floor.
There are also the "traditional" attempts at social commentary that, once again, contribute little. The company managers are suitably spineless and/or single-mindedly result oriented. And as always in Swedish shows, there are marital problems and unhappy children - also quite unnecessary to the story.
The acting is OK without being remarkable. There is the normal and unfortunate Swedish tendency for the acting to be overly dramatic, though, and everyone is very serious most of the time, staring fixedly at each other.
On the plus side, the locations are very good and the cinematography excellent.
The show suffers from some of the maladies common to Swedish films and TV shows. The main one here is the acute lack of proper pacing. The show just plods along, seemingly with little thought of what is important to the plot and what is not. There are unimportant sub-plots and characters who contribute little or nothing and just make the story drag painfully at times. A third or more of the footage should have been left on the cutting-room floor.
There are also the "traditional" attempts at social commentary that, once again, contribute little. The company managers are suitably spineless and/or single-mindedly result oriented. And as always in Swedish shows, there are marital problems and unhappy children - also quite unnecessary to the story.
The acting is OK without being remarkable. There is the normal and unfortunate Swedish tendency for the acting to be overly dramatic, though, and everyone is very serious most of the time, staring fixedly at each other.
On the plus side, the locations are very good and the cinematography excellent.
Wish there were English sub-titles
louciphre5 October 2020
So far only saw one episode but it is intriguing and filming was pretty good. Don't speak a word of Swedish nor can I read Finnish so pretty much guessed at what was happening thru visuals. The only English is of course spoken by the stereotypical, greedy management which I could have guessed that without hearing a word. Looking forward to watching further episodes. It's better than a lot of the virtue signaling, politically correct garbage coming out of Hollywood these days. I read some of the other reviews and noticed some of the themes that are prevalent in Sweden are at least normal drama. Be sure to write those idiots that you are dissatisfied and maybe, with enough complaints, will change. Here in the states I have come to boycotting all the crap that tries to tell me how I should think.
A Lego Ovoid
jeanphillippes5 November 2020
The makers were trying really hard to keep things Swedish, with just a smattering of 'token' English! You have to admire them for featuring the real Sweden as a backdrop. And yes they were also very 'inclusive', even with an 'savant' Aspergers kid, who seems to know it all. But so far tastefully restrained, and not as self-flagellatory as the other Viking dystopian dramas. The Swedes have always had this ambivalence towards technology, necessary for cold-climate survival, but reproachable nonetheless. There's something very Freudian about it all - eggs, tunnels and the repression of 'stuff' deep down inside a mine.
Lynch and X-Files mixed with Nordic Noir
michael-10197 December 2020
Slow and painful
althom-660771 February 2021
Drags along like so many of these Scandi dramas. Everyone is perpetually miserable and conflicted. Too many side plots, the autistic child, the failing marriage, the activist whose father is a terrorist of sorts, the security guard who still lives with his mum and lets not forget the very annoying DJ at the local radio station
Thought-provoking and stylish
kuv-9099616 November 2020
Wow. Considering the perceived aspiration of Finnish big budget TV trying to emulate either Nordic noir crime stories or Hollywood series, White Wall is a breath of fresh air: an original scifi story staying grounded in the real world and inspired by real-world events. Ordered and collaboratively produced by the Finnish and Swedish national broadcast companies and said to be the most expensive Finnish TV production to date, I feel like not a single euro or Swedish crown was wasted here.
The Nordic noir elements are there: the gloomy aesthetics, the social commentary and a diverse cast of characters who feel like real people. But White Wall absolutely stands on its own legs as one of the most interesting European scifi series and one of the best Finnish series in recent years.
The lead writer Mikko Pöllä has come up with an intriguing mystery story featuring a strong message, and whether you agree with that message or not, you should be impressed by his skills at handling the subject matter. I was anxious during the final two episodes. How would the writers tackle the ending? But it turned out to be even better than I had expected, satisfyingly tying (almost) everything together while also boldly making a statement. Unfortunately I have to agree with some of the other reviewers in that the pace was a bit slow. Still, it didn't stop me from binging the series in one day.
The actors do a good job overall. For those unfamiliar with the Nordic way of being and state of mind, the characters could come across as overly stern. But that's just how we are, and considering that the story takes place in a (fictitious) town in northern Sweden, it's all the more believable. Although I feel like they could have shown us a bit more of the community and properly introduce us to the setting outside of the nuclear waste facility. Luckily there is an appropriate proxy character, a voice of the people, who also takes the themes to a universal level.
The camerawork is breathtaking, from the claustrophobic, damp underground tunnels (shot on location in a real mine) to the beautiful snow-covered vistas. And it's all accompanied by the haunting and beautiful score written by Timo Kaukolampi and Tuomo Puranen.
This is a world-class production with minor flaws and I hope to see more from the creators Mikko Pöllä, Aleksi Salmenperä and Roope Lehtinen. Actually I'd love to see another original series from them, with a global streaming network such as Netflix or Amazon providing the budget.
Recommended to: Fans of series such as Dark or Tales From The Loop, fans of Nordic noir and anyone interested in topical & thought-provoking science fiction.
The Nordic noir elements are there: the gloomy aesthetics, the social commentary and a diverse cast of characters who feel like real people. But White Wall absolutely stands on its own legs as one of the most interesting European scifi series and one of the best Finnish series in recent years.
The lead writer Mikko Pöllä has come up with an intriguing mystery story featuring a strong message, and whether you agree with that message or not, you should be impressed by his skills at handling the subject matter. I was anxious during the final two episodes. How would the writers tackle the ending? But it turned out to be even better than I had expected, satisfyingly tying (almost) everything together while also boldly making a statement. Unfortunately I have to agree with some of the other reviewers in that the pace was a bit slow. Still, it didn't stop me from binging the series in one day.
The actors do a good job overall. For those unfamiliar with the Nordic way of being and state of mind, the characters could come across as overly stern. But that's just how we are, and considering that the story takes place in a (fictitious) town in northern Sweden, it's all the more believable. Although I feel like they could have shown us a bit more of the community and properly introduce us to the setting outside of the nuclear waste facility. Luckily there is an appropriate proxy character, a voice of the people, who also takes the themes to a universal level.
The camerawork is breathtaking, from the claustrophobic, damp underground tunnels (shot on location in a real mine) to the beautiful snow-covered vistas. And it's all accompanied by the haunting and beautiful score written by Timo Kaukolampi and Tuomo Puranen.
This is a world-class production with minor flaws and I hope to see more from the creators Mikko Pöllä, Aleksi Salmenperä and Roope Lehtinen. Actually I'd love to see another original series from them, with a global streaming network such as Netflix or Amazon providing the budget.
Recommended to: Fans of series such as Dark or Tales From The Loop, fans of Nordic noir and anyone interested in topical & thought-provoking science fiction.
A strange series.
seb9023427 November 2020
Written and created by Finns.
Many Swedish-Finn actors and the lead is played by a Norweigan with a flawless Swedish accent.
Everyone but one speaks Swedish, however the dialogue is strange.
It is as if the script was translated from English. There are many lines that could be directly translated to English but don't really feel Swedish, although I could be imagining it. I don't know much about the Swedish spoken in Finland so I can't say if that's the reason.
The cinematography is great, the sets are great and feel realistic. I'm not very impressed with the dialogue and the pacing. The acting is good enough though.
It would get a 5 from me if the sets and cinematography were so so.
The cinematography is great, the sets are great and feel realistic. I'm not very impressed with the dialogue and the pacing. The acting is good enough though.
It would get a 5 from me if the sets and cinematography were so so.
Finally sci-fi based on human beings instead of fast paced special effects
vuun25 November 2020
It is so refreshing to see a sci-fi production that is a drama rather than an action flick. Curiously, that seems to be the reason people dislike it. I did not think the pace was slow at all. Maybe if you are used to watching Avengers and the like...
White wall 2020
permaculture-4588526 September 2020
Just watched the first episode. Loved it, but I'm a fan of Nordic TV series; so the grayish/blueish colors, the slow pace, the snow, the cold, the unavoidable tavern, that's my thing. Can't wait the moment someone is eaten by a bear or is crushed by a snowplow. And there is this collection of totally alien characters who all live in Ikea houses. And hey, they succeeded in finding a black Swede actor ! Progress in action, on your screens, now !
So watch it.
Longest drama based on the thinnest idea
WingsOf9 September 2021
Bergman doing a Swedish lite version of Dark.
Good production and settings but most of the whole season is just meandering aimlessly without building any suspense, understanding or interest.
Yes, expressionless Scandinavians are a cliche but in this case it just highlights the lack of any depth or movement in the story which is as bland as any character's expression or the White Wall.
Feels like the whole thing should have been just the first episode to set up a more interesting development or plot line.
One might even snooze through the season finale without noticing.
Good production and settings but most of the whole season is just meandering aimlessly without building any suspense, understanding or interest.
Yes, expressionless Scandinavians are a cliche but in this case it just highlights the lack of any depth or movement in the story which is as bland as any character's expression or the White Wall.
Feels like the whole thing should have been just the first episode to set up a more interesting development or plot line.
One might even snooze through the season finale without noticing.
No start, no middle, no ending.
stefan-34-74241728 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have seen the first season, and is amazed that noone pulled the plug on this show. The script is horribel, the plot is non-existing, the "science" stinks.
The premie is, An outdoor storage facility for used uranium, with almost no security... People can fly drones over the area, dropping bombs, drive around the cans of radioactive waste.... It is just does not make sense.
I was about to throw out the tv-set when I heard "Calcium contains Carbon".... The script writers has clearly not attended any science classes at school.
During the end of the show, the lead character climbs down a 700 meter deep shaft...(that noone know exist in a uranium storage facility)... does his thing, and climbs up again..700 meter... and in a short time frame.
Almost all the cars in the show uses the MLB-series of registration signs.... I know that those are for movie-use only, but it was funny to see that almost every car had the same MLB-range of registration signs
To conclude, there is no start, no middle and no ending in this show.
The premie is, An outdoor storage facility for used uranium, with almost no security... People can fly drones over the area, dropping bombs, drive around the cans of radioactive waste.... It is just does not make sense.
I was about to throw out the tv-set when I heard "Calcium contains Carbon".... The script writers has clearly not attended any science classes at school.
During the end of the show, the lead character climbs down a 700 meter deep shaft...(that noone know exist in a uranium storage facility)... does his thing, and climbs up again..700 meter... and in a short time frame.
Almost all the cars in the show uses the MLB-series of registration signs.... I know that those are for movie-use only, but it was funny to see that almost every car had the same MLB-range of registration signs
To conclude, there is no start, no middle and no ending in this show.
Nordic ambient with hints of sci-fi and weird
jonjakoblindstrom14 November 2020
As others have noted the pace is really slow and if you can't stand visual ambient or ambiguous interpretations, this might be too much. Personally I loved it for just those reasons. Psychological sci-fi that doesn't hold your hand. Minimal effects and no flow-breaking violence.
Why?
bjorn-wedbratt22 October 2020
Exactly why did this serie even happen in the first place? There's absolutely nothing to it, no "twist", nothing that gets you thinking or get intrigued neither in the characters nor the story.
It's like a horror movie where you open the door to find... Nothing!?! Then you don't open the door but at least leave it to the viewer to draw it's own conclusion. But not White Wall... here we open the door for the audience to release the little tension that was built up and then... The end.
Thrilling and captivating!
mail-1903510 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I liked it! It's well made and with good actors, really nice to see a good Swedish tv-series for once. Tired of all police and crime investigation drama series.
The plot is pretty straight forward with the main focus on finding out what the white wall is. Its captivating and thrilling and very easy to understand, more so if you're Swedish.
But I think 8 episodes is bit of a stretch, they could easily just have made a 2 hour movie instead as it gets a little slow at times, many scenes could have been cut altogether as they don't really have any relevance to the main plot.
The end makes you think. Even though we found out what was inside the object, the answer to why it was there in the first place and why the continuous flow of water began pouring out, or the mold growth on the sample, didn't get answered at all.
And why did water start erupting on mars at the same time, was this some kind of life-starting-device that was put on several planets billions of years ago and linked together somehow. Have one been open on earth before like a seed by some alien species and earth made it but mars didn't.
I have so many questions.
But maybe thats part of it, you don't always need to know everything for it to be a good ending...or it's just a big cliffhanger and there's a season 2 comming.
The plot is pretty straight forward with the main focus on finding out what the white wall is. Its captivating and thrilling and very easy to understand, more so if you're Swedish.
But I think 8 episodes is bit of a stretch, they could easily just have made a 2 hour movie instead as it gets a little slow at times, many scenes could have been cut altogether as they don't really have any relevance to the main plot.
The end makes you think. Even though we found out what was inside the object, the answer to why it was there in the first place and why the continuous flow of water began pouring out, or the mold growth on the sample, didn't get answered at all.
And why did water start erupting on mars at the same time, was this some kind of life-starting-device that was put on several planets billions of years ago and linked together somehow. Have one been open on earth before like a seed by some alien species and earth made it but mars didn't.
I have so many questions.
But maybe thats part of it, you don't always need to know everything for it to be a good ending...or it's just a big cliffhanger and there's a season 2 comming.
Snail paced drama
baldrics-974-46027026 January 2021
God. Talk about stretching a story, it is so slow and really tedious. I just have to see what's in it, but find myself fast forwarding through a lot of the padding. I will be very cross if they do not show what it us in season 1.
Great story
jonaswilliamsson13 October 2020
Slow is OK, stupid is not
dent-715 July 2022
I like thoughtful SF and didn't mind the slow pace, although my wife gave up on it.
The mining people and differences with management are spot-on (years in mining companies). The engineering manager with difficulty relating to family and labouring over public speaking was very plausible.
Sub-plot with autistic child was clichéd and where I started having doubts.
The ending contains some plain silly stuff which spoiled the entire show for me.
The mining people and differences with management are spot-on (years in mining companies). The engineering manager with difficulty relating to family and labouring over public speaking was very plausible.
Sub-plot with autistic child was clichéd and where I started having doubts.
The ending contains some plain silly stuff which spoiled the entire show for me.
Couldn't stop watching !
marsu-potila22 November 2020
I love shows like this ! Intensity, mystery and great writing. I watched this in two days, every episode made me want to see more. And now the final cliffhanger... I really hope this gets a second season!
I liked how the cast was from different origin; Finland, Sweden, Norway and even UK. As a Finn myself, I enjoyed the occasional Finnish parts like when Atte was first interrogating Astrid. That came as a total surprise! Really enjoyed Eero Milonoff as a whole, he is a great actor and really captivates the nature of his character. All the actors did an amazing job!
The visuals were amazing and big part of it goes to the VFX team. The CGI was seamless! Beautiful scenes and great use of lighting to set the mood. The music also provided for the intensity and made some moments truly thrilling to watch.
Also, I recognized some of the filming locations as the show was mostly filmed in Iisalmi ja Pyhäjärvi in Finland. So cool to see an actual high-budget show on our TV! (actually the most expensive television show ever made around here with a 7 million euro budget !) I read that they also used locals from Pyhäjärvi as extras in some of the scenes, fun stuff. Would really recommend this to anyone who likes these kind of shows!
I liked how the cast was from different origin; Finland, Sweden, Norway and even UK. As a Finn myself, I enjoyed the occasional Finnish parts like when Atte was first interrogating Astrid. That came as a total surprise! Really enjoyed Eero Milonoff as a whole, he is a great actor and really captivates the nature of his character. All the actors did an amazing job!
The visuals were amazing and big part of it goes to the VFX team. The CGI was seamless! Beautiful scenes and great use of lighting to set the mood. The music also provided for the intensity and made some moments truly thrilling to watch.
Also, I recognized some of the filming locations as the show was mostly filmed in Iisalmi ja Pyhäjärvi in Finland. So cool to see an actual high-budget show on our TV! (actually the most expensive television show ever made around here with a 7 million euro budget !) I read that they also used locals from Pyhäjärvi as extras in some of the scenes, fun stuff. Would really recommend this to anyone who likes these kind of shows!
you can not sleep? Check out this series ...
laszkris2 April 2021
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