The Netflix Crime Thriller Series Hooking Viewers Right Out The Gate
The 2022 Dutch thriller series The Golden Hour is available to stream on Netflix. The show stars Nasrdin Dchar, Ellen Parren, Matteo van der Grijn, Abbas Fasaei, and Nabil Mallat. The story revolves around Mardik, a Dutch detective of Afghan descent who, after a terrorist attack in Amsterdam, races against time to find the suspects, one of whom may be his childhood friend Faysal.
The Golden Hour On Netflix
The Golden Hour also delves into the detective’s personal and professional struggles as he investigates the attack and grapples with the possibility of his friend’s involvement.
The story begins during a quiet evening when Mardik gets a text message revealing that Faysal has arrived back in the Netherlands.
When the city is hit by a terrorist attack the next day, Mardik immediately suspects his old friend.
Originally Appeared In 2022
The six-episode series initially premiered in November 2022 and has been praised for its intense and riveting storyline, as well as its acting, camerawork, and cinematography. The Golden Hour is produced by NL Films (Banijay) and directed by Bobby Boermans.
The Dutch filmmaker graduated from the Dutch Film & Television Academy and continued his studies at the American Film Institute.
Different From Other Stories
Along with The Golden Hour, Boermans has directed music videos, commercials, and online campaigns for major brands. He made his feature film debut in 2011 with the Dutch film Claustrofobia.
His second theatrical feature, the thriller App, was released in 2012. Boermans has won several awards for his work, including a Golden Calf nomination for Best Dutch TV Drama.
The Golden Hour is different from conventional stories about terrorism as it explores the aftermath of the horrific event. Randall Broman, head of international distribution of scripted shows at Mediawan Rights, previously described the show as a character-driven series that explores the multifaceted repercussions of a terrorist attack.
Some Drawbacks
The biggest draw of The Golden Hour is the intricate dynamic between Mardik and the mastermind behind the attacks. Both born in the same Afghan village, the two took divergent paths in life.
While they were refugee children in Europe, one grew up to become a proud Dutch citizen, while the other became radicalized.
Societal Issues
Identity and systemic racism are crucial elements woven into the fabric of The Golden Hour. Mardik, a dedicated detective, finds himself navigating questions about his patriotism due to his Afghan origins.
Beyond its thrilling plot, the series serves as a platform to address significant societal issues by challenging stereotypes and prompting discussions about loyalty and belonging.
The Golden Hour Season 2?
The Golden Hour ends with Mardik discovering a potential collaboration between a police officer and Faysal in the terrorist attacks. This revelation surfaces when agent Joelle Walters observes a man resembling a cop driving a van to the attack site.
In an attempt to identify the driver, Joelle questions Mardik while he’s in custody, but the effort proves unsuccessful.
The identity of this mysterious man remains undisclosed, creating anticipation for Season 2.
If the second installment of The Golden Hour is approved, it is scheduled to premiere on AVROTROS and NPO Plus in the Netherlands before becoming available on Netflix in the US and other regions.
