The Nordic noir crime drama 'Black Sands' has released all 16 episodes across two seasons on the free UK streaming service U. The series follows police officer Aníta Elínardóttir, played by Aldís Amah Hamilton, who returns to her Icelandic hometown after 14 years just as a woman's body is discovered, forcing her to confront dark truths from her past.
Plot and Reception
First released in 2021, the second eight-episode series debuted in 2024, continuing Aníta's story. When the father of her child, Reykjavík police officer Gústi, moves nearby, she is thrust into another investigation after a mysterious death. Together, they probe the historical abuse of girls at a foster home. IMDb user totts123 called it a 'brilliant' noir, adding: 'Not sure why this isn't rated higher. I loved it. A slow burn that pays off at the end. Dark and atmospheric. Interesting and highly flawed characters. Beautiful location.'
Comparisons to Other Thrillers
User steven-222 compared it to BBC's 'The Fall', describing it as 'a decidedly earnest and in some ways fearless work. And very, very grim.' Another viewer, grasshopper2021, praised it as 'brilliant, black and bleak like the Icelanders (and Nordics) do best.' AndyPike-22859 noted: 'Yes, the landscape is as stunning and haunting as you'd expect, but I really enjoyed the story, characters and acting too.'
Pacing Criticisms
Some viewers have criticised the show's pacing as 'glacial', suggesting it may not appeal to all audiences. However, many praise its 'subtle but brutal' drama and the 'dark, chilly landscape' of Iceland.
Other Nordic Noir Recommendations
For fans seeking similar content, Netflix offers several Nordic noir series. 'The Åre Murders' follows a Stockholm detective investigating a young girl's disappearance at a ski resort. 'Deadwind' (2018) features detective Sofia Karppi probing the murder of a social affairs consultant. 'The Chestnut Man' (2021) involves two detectives hunting a killer linked to a politician's missing child, with a chestnut figurine left at crime scenes.
'Black Sands' seasons one and two are now streaming on U in the UK.
