The Chestnut Man is a Danish crime thriller that arrives with a simple premise and a brutal execution. Based on the novel by Lars Kepler, it follows Detective William Solevsen as he investigates a string of murders that appear to mimic a centuries-old nursery rhyme about a chestnut man who loses his legs. The show premiered on Netflix in 2021, and it has since become a benchmark for international crime dramas. It deserves its reputation.
The series is available to stream on Netflix in its entirety, and it runs seven episodes across a single season. Each episode is dense with information, character development, and forensic detail, making it a demanding watch that rewards patience. The story moves from the streets of Copenhagen to the remote islands of Denmark, and it never lets up.
Trailer, via Netflix.
The Premise
The central mystery revolves around a killer who leaves victims posed as if they had lost their legs. The reference to the chestnut man comes from a Danish poem about a figure who loses his legs and hands, and the murderer seems to be recreating that image in real bodies. The investigation draws in Solevsen, a veteran detective with a troubled past, and his new partner, Signe, who brings a fresh perspective to the force.
The killer’s method is the show’s strongest asset. The chestnut man imagery is disturbing precisely because it is so specific. The killer does not simply stab or shoot. He cuts off the victim’s legs, leaving the body intact above the knees. This is not a random choice. It is a deliberate performance, and the show treats it as such.
The killer’s identity is revealed in the final episodes, but the reveal is not a twist. It is a consequence. The show builds its case slowly, through forensic evidence, psychological profiles, and the personal lives of the victims. The killer’s motives are complex, and the show respects that complexity without ever losing its focus on the investigation.
The Investigation
Solevsen is a damaged man. He drinks too much, he has a strained relationship with his ex-wife, and he carries guilt over a case that went wrong years earlier. His partnership with Signe is the emotional core of the show. She is younger, more idealistic, and she pushes him to be better. Their scenes together are the most human moments in the series, and they ground the relentless violence in something relatable.
The show does not shy away from the brutality of police work. There are scenes of interrogation, of dead bodies, and of the routine paperwork that fills a detective’s day. The pacing is deliberate, and the show trusts the audience to sit with uncomfortable silence. There is no filler. Every scene serves either the plot or the characters.
The forensic detail is impressive. The show shows autopsies, DNA analysis, and the reconstruction of crime scenes. It is meticulous in its depiction of how evidence is gathered and interpreted. This attention to detail lends the series a sense of realism that elevates the genre.
The Setting
Copenhagen is rendered with a cold, grey authenticity. The city’s streets are wet, the light is flat, and the architecture is imposing. The show uses the urban environment to create a sense of isolation. The killer operates in a world that is indifferent to his victims, and the city itself feels like a character.
The island sequences are equally effective. The show moves the investigation to a remote area, where the killer’s crimes are less visible and the community is tight-knit. The contrast between the two settings is stark, and it reflects the tension between the urban anonymity of Copenhagen and the insular nature of rural life.
The production design is excellent. The interiors are cramped and lived-in, the exteriors are bleak and open. The show uses color to signal mood, with blues and greys dominating the palette. The lighting is often dim, creating a sense of unease that fits the tone of the story.
The Supporting Cast
The show is populated with a cast of characters who are all suspicious to some degree. The killer’s victims are not simply names on a list. They each have families, jobs, and secrets, and the show takes the time to flesh them out. This makes the killings feel more personal, even when the viewer knows who the killer is.
The show also features a police commissioner who is skeptical of Solevsen’s methods. This creates friction within the department, and it adds a layer of institutional pressure to the investigation. The show does not present the police as a monolithic force. There are good officers and bad ones, and the show explores the grey areas between them.
The show’s treatment of trauma is sensitive. Several characters carry wounds from their past, and the show does not romanticize their pain. It shows how trauma shapes behavior, and it avoids easy answers. The show also handles the killer’s psychology with care. The killer is not a cartoon villain. He is a person with a history, and the show tries to understand why he acts the way he does.
The Music
The score is sparse and effective. It uses piano motifs and ambient textures to create a sense of dread. The music swells during key scenes, but it never overwhelms the dialogue. The show trusts the images and the performances to do the work, and the score supports rather than dictates.
There are several standout scenes that showcase the show’s strengths:
- The first murder scene, which establishes the killer’s method.
- The confrontation between Solevsen and the killer, which is tense and well-choreographed.
- The autopsy scene, which is graphic but precise.
- The final reveal, which is earned rather than cheapened.
Each of these scenes is executed with precision. The editing is sharp, and the pacing is controlled. The show does not rush to a conclusion. It allows the tension to build naturally, and the payoff feels earned.
The Weaknesses
The show is not perfect. Some viewers may find the violence excessive, and the show does not flinch from showing the full extent of the killer’s crimes. This is a stylistic choice, and it is consistent with the source material, but it may not appeal to everyone.
The show also relies heavily on flashbacks to explain the killer’s backstory. These scenes are necessary, but they can slow the momentum. The show is at its best when it is focused on the present-day investigation. When it drifts into the past, it loses some of its intensity.
There is also a moment near the middle of the series where the pacing dips slightly. A few episodes stretch a single storyline, and the tension wanes temporarily. However, the show recovers quickly, and the final stretch is strong.
The Legacy
The Chestnut Man has been influential in the crime drama space. Its blend of psychological insight, procedural detail, and atmospheric tension has been emulated by other shows. The show’s success on Netflix has also brought international attention to Danish television, and it has established a template for how crime dramas can work globally.
The show has also sparked discussion about the representation of violence in media. Its unflinching depiction of the killer’s crimes has been noted by critics, and the show’s handling of trauma has been praised for its nuance. The show does not offer easy answers, and it does not pretend that violence is understandable. It simply presents it, and it lets the characters react to it.
The show’s influence extends beyond its immediate reception. It has set a standard for how crime dramas can balance character-driven storytelling with forensic rigor. It has shown that a crime drama can be both cerebral and gripping.
The Final Word
The Chestnut Man is a masterclass in crime drama. It is meticulously crafted, well-acted, and deeply unsettling. It respects the intelligence of its audience, and it rewards careful viewing. The show is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the genre, it is essential viewing.
The show’s themes are universal. It deals with guilt, obsession, and the legacy of the past. It asks difficult questions about justice and closure. The show does not answer these questions definitively, but it offers a compelling exploration of them.
The show’s strength lies in its commitment to its vision. It does not compromise its ideas for commercial appeal, and it does not soften its edges for comfort. It is a challenging watch, but it is a rewarding one.
The Chestnut Man is a 10 of 10.
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