User Reviews

Well, the approach and events described are intrinsic to developed countries where long documents form the basis of child welfare and people are encouraged to "detect and identify any signs of possible abuse". I am sure that in most cases the intervention from outside is needed and due, but here, in Ulven kommer, the events spin and roll in sprite of slow pace at times. The final episode is realistic as well, but seemingly contradicting the total run of events.

This above-trivial narration is elevated by strong performances of all cast, starting with Bjarne Henriksen as Lars (he is a fine actor, just remember Forbrydelsen) and Flora Ofelia Hofmann Lindahl as Holly (a pleasant teen surprise). Their dialogues, yet not long, are very intense and heartrending, and although viewers obtain clarity what was really going on, it is still intriguing to follow how the things develop and what is the result. True, the final solution is not satisfactory to everyone.

Another fine Danish series!

This production had me hooked from early on and just got better and better. Terrific acting, a compelling story that is both frightening and moving, but very believable. A credit to all involved.

Well, I have to declare an interest here - I did. I worked for about 15 years in childcare services dealing with deprived, refugee or abused adolescents. This series really hit home to me, even though it was set in Denmark and the procedures are different from those of the UK. What was not different was the blanket policy that was beginning to be applied during my time in Social Services in the UK and obviously pertains in Denmark too, that a "victim" must be listened to and believed. It's a policy that I always had qualms about and I personally saw several instances of false accusations affecting (fortunately not destroying) lives. Unfortunately, such credulity leads to the most dreadful results on occasion as in the case of Carl Beech who ruined the lives and reputations of prominent people because he was "believed".

So, "Ulven Kommer". The title "Cry Wolf" must have been chosen so that we would, unike family unit representative Lars Madsen, look at Holly's allegations with a critical eye. Plot devices lead us further along this path - we see how Holly is manipulative, that Lars breaks the rules, that little Theo calls his sister a liar.

But there is something wrong in that family. What is it? We get a hint in episode four and by episode six, we are sure, as is Lars. The overhearing of a conversation imputing a pecuniary motive for the foster placement leads to a family reunion after the case conference. However, events lead to a grisly conclusion and Lars is vindicated after his transfer to desk duties.

This series really played with my emotions. I was cross that so much credence was given to the allegations, I was upset that the abuse could have happened, I was devastated at the enforced break up of the family. I really didn't know whom to believe for the first few episodes until we saw the scene when the family's problem was revealed.

I must say I was not impressed by the Danish system. It only worked here in the series because of a maverick social worker cum family counsellor. However, to hear that over 98% of cases are won by the municipality and children are removed even after a police exoneration and no criminal charges was a shocker to me. If the scenes at the family court were true and the judge was really so pressed for time that late documents could only be examined by the family lawyer with the family for 5 minutes , then that is pretty scandalous. The system looked impressive with its multidisciplinary meetings, but if the results are preordained in favour of removal so overwhelmingly then the case conferences that included the judge are simply a rubber stamp. Things are quite different in the UK where there is more emphasis on reconciliation, supervision and support while having regard to the paramount interests of the child.

From the other reviews here, I guess one doesn't have to have a social work background to like this excellent series. I think I looked at it differently from the way a lay viewer might do. I would recommend it to anyone at all. I'm so glad I saw it.

Cry Wolf is an 8 part Danish drama. The premise is a teacher makes a report to the authorities about possible child abuse, based in an essay submitted by a 14 year old student. The student and her half brother are removed from the family home, placed with foster carers, and an investigation is undertaken.

This series had me totally transfixed. I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. It's really a mystery as it's difficult to know who is telling the truth, and what has gone on in the home. Each episode slowly reveals another perspective.

The acting is just amazing particularly Flora Ofelia Hofman Lindahl, who plays the teenage girl. The investigating social worker is played by the awesome Bjarne Henriksen. He was the father in season 1 of The Killing (Forbrydelsen). All supporting actors are also great and well cast.

This is a beautifully rendered, controlled dramatisation of the complexities and confusions that inhabit DV situations. Great performances with a knock out from the girl who portrays Holly, every screen of her face tells us the immense fear and conflict she has been silently enduring. Lars also terrific, loved Theo and Simon as well, good direction pacing and editing, well written. Not for the impatient action hounds, no doubt we will get the whiners on here grumbling about watching paint dry and "nothing happens". Ignore such vapid reviews if you have any interest in human psychology, family dynamics, human suffering. EDIT: to the person commenting that the mother wouldn't have been in denial ( for the children's sake ) knows nothing about the confusing nature of denial in DV situations or indeed...marriage

This Danish series is one that the current batch of 'writers' supplying tosh like Deadwater Fell, Angela Black, The Sister etc. Should watch.

The subject is handled with tact and sensitivity exploring complex interwoven relationships but maintains a pace and plot that holds your attention despite subtitles, that some dislike (not me).

We have some excellent actors in this country who are making the most of very weak material but although it's unknowns in this series, it's one I won't forget in a hurry.

Good acting but too slow and predicting. Could have been shortened to 5 episodes.

This is why I could never be a social worker espicially in the family unit. It must be one of the toughest jobs. I would constantly be beating myself up wondering if I made the right choice no matter what choice I made. "No one get's it right every time" they say, but could you live with the consequence of a wrong choice?

Watching this series is a good choice though.

The whole show was very predictable, I kept waiting for something surprising to happen but it didn't. It was also quite slow, but not in a good Nordic noir kind of way. I found the actress playing Holly to not be that great an actor, I feel bad saying this, but because she barely spoke she needed to use her face and eyes more and that didn't happen. But apart from the few negatives it was still an enjoyable show to watch if you're not expecting anything amazing.

I will say this, after working the same job as Bjarne Henriksen in this series, I understand the situation very well. It's very difficult for the parents and for the kids. I have just seen 3 episodes so far and looking forward to the rest.

I will update my review after the seeing the complete first season. I think it looks good, the young girl plays her part perfect, I can feel her fears and pain. I can also see it in her eyes, Great talent.

This should be seen by most people, it can learn you to have a different perspective on things in the future. Great work to all involved.

A good 8/10

A marvelous story that really has a grip on the viewer.

A child writes a concerning story and her teacher contacts the state that is removing the children from home. Bjarne Henriksen as the social worker is brilliant and the girl Holly (Flora Ofelia Hofmann Lindahl) is very trustworthy but it is the same with all the actors. It's high quality.

I doubt how much rewatching value it has and if you are not living in a country the has the same system as Denmark it might seem strange(?).

Nu har jeg kun set 2 afsnit. Jeg plejer normalt ikke at gå efter danske serier. Men den her fangede mig allerede ved første afsnit. Skuespilleriet, især fra børnene der er med, er rigtig godt. Historien, hvad der sker osv. er også spot on.

Kan klart anbefalde den, hvis nogen søger noget i den her stil at se.

I've heard friends say it's too similar to "jakten", which I've not seen, so can't say. What I can say is that the scenario is for the most part really excellent, and some of the actors are great. The guy playing the father, e.g., does a brilliant perfomance.

First the bad, and why it doesn't get 10 stars - it's pretty obvious 2-3 episodes in that a plot twists is coming, and it is the most obvious plot twist they went with in the end.

BUT - despite that they are still hitting all the strings in the grand orchestra of feelings right till the very end, despite the fact that you have probably figured out where it is all going long beforehand, in fact it puts the character of Holly in a different light at the end, that just triggers another round of emotions if you spend more than a few seconds contemplating the path of her character.

I'm blown away by Flora's performance through all of this, at just 14 or 15 years of age when this series was recorded, she puts in a performance well beyond her age, and Bjarne Henriksen delivers a rock solid performance as her co-star as you would always expect from him. Also pretty much all the supporting casts keeps up very well indeed.

It's an emotional rollercoaster from start till end, and I challenge you to watch through this without shedding tears several times.

The most obvious engine of this drama is the uncertainty as to whether to believe the accusations that a step daughter makes against her step father. The series keeps you guessing until the last couple of episodes.

But looking deeper, there is another question posed equally effectively: what should those responsible do when such accusations surface without clear proof to make difficult decisions easy? Finding the right path must feel impossible, with the need to protect the child at war with the rights of the parents and the value of a functional family unit.

I doubt I would be up to this task and am left grateful that amongst us are admirable people willing to shoulder this burden.

This is an excellent series which I highly recommend.

Fantastisk serie, kan kun anbefales.

Føles som "whodunit" men hvor hvor både who og it er udefineret.

Fortjener en klar 10/10.

Impeccably written, with sensitive cinematography and nuanced performances from the cast. A masterfully crafted series that invites the viewer to examine the complex dynamics of domestic violence from the inside out.

Rarely have I seen a more insightful TV series on a difficult topic; violence in near relations. The complexity and the demanding dynamics needed to uncover, clarify and help victims of such relationships are excellently portrayed here. In the 8 episodes, the truth is revealed in a sea of denial, lies, loss, humiliation and concealment. But the series also provides unique insight into how challenging it is for child welfare and social services in such cases, and the responsibilities they have. Fantastic role performances lift the series to be believable and give us viewers a glimpse into a dark world.

Very moving and suspenseful story which is full of twists and turns and is beautifully produced. Outstanding cast and can't speak highly enough of the standard of acting.

Clearly written by someone who has deep understanding of broken and troubled families and the social services that try to support them. Whilst the ending may come as a surprise to some (it certainly did to me as it was really against the flow of the storyline) it does make sense.

Heartily recommend this and agree with the consensus of reviews.

This was a marvellous series. I thought the pacing was realistic and all the actors were brilliant at portraying their individual angst of the situation. There were no two dimensional characters even in the minor parts. I binge watched this in two evenings.

Was this a trick twist to the story or a plot fault? For the longest time, it appeared that 14 year old Holly was a scheming, manipulative, little liar who was hell bent in wrecking her parent's marriage. Also why begin the series with Holly perving on her parent's love-making?

From personal experience, I know just what a nasty teen can inflict on a step-father.